If the current craze over Harry Potter is indicative of an upsurge in interest in magic, there is good news for those who want to learn Potter’s tricks of the trade. P.C. Sorcar (Junior), one the world’s most well-known magicians, is putting together his plans to set up the world’s first university solely devoted to magic.

“An important consideration in setting up this institute is that I have always thought that we were a degree loving country,” says Sorcar. However, he doubts if those degrees are really of any use.

He bemoans the lack of scientists and artistes in this country although many study science and art. There is also a huge dearth of individuals who can excel on the international stage in drama. All this has troubled Sorcar for decades. So when it came to his art, he decided to do something to fill the gap.

“It is appropriate to start this university here since India is the original land of magic,” he says. While there might be more glamour in Europe, there is much more to India’s magic traditions than pulling rabbits out of a hat. “It is unfortunate that now very few seem to be able to practise art for art’s sake,” he rues.

Sorcar’s penchant for weaving magic in the public consciousness has made him plan an institution where it will be possible for students and connoisseurs of magic to appreciate it. “I am planning something that is totally unique and exceptional in the world,” he adds.

The proposed university will cater to different sections of society. There will be a two-year MA course open to graduates of any stream. The entry requirements will also include IQ tests.

“The course will have to be based on personal one-on-one interaction with the teacher. Therefore, the number of students will be limited to a dozen at the maximum,” he reveals. In addition to fulfilling the bachelors degree and IQ test requirements, applicants will have to qualify in what Sorcar calls a “reaction test” (a test to determine how quickly one reacts to a situation) to qualify. Only those who do well will be accepted.

Explains Sorcar, “Magic as a performing art demands a high IQ and an ability to react quickly in any given situation and keeping this in mind, I have laid down the appropriate criteria for prospective students.”

An important element in magic is drama and students will be taught how to combine drama with magic for an effective performance. Or what Sorcar thinks is “dramagic”.

A unique and notable part of the proposed curriculum will be the building of awareness of India’s historical legacy of magic.

The Harry Potter phenomenon might have been conjured in the West but magic tricks have been a part of Indian folklore and tradition for centuries. The masters course will also teach students the rudiments of how things have come to be what they are in the magical tricks that entertain so many people across the globe.

Sorcar plans to start his own university but says that he has had some talks with Rabindra Bharati University for a possible collaboration. The venue for the proposed courses will be his residence, Indrajal Bhavan, in South Calcutta.

Sorcar also has plans on the drawing board for introducing school children to the “mental exercise” of magic. He plans to have courses in magic from the nursery level to Class VII.

“Our children have great performing skills and my courses will just try to polish and hone their natural talent,” he says.

Courses for students will principally be conducted during holidays. They will be divided into different categories for imparting both scientific and artistic knowledge that could develop the natural abilities of children.

Those who opt for the course will have the option to progress every year and certificates will be awarded to them at every level. “I am optimistic about this since I did a workshop with 70 children at the Nehru Children’s Museum in Calcutta about three years back which was a roaring success,” Sorcar recollects.

Sorcar’s efforts are being supported by his eldest daughter Maneka Sorcar who says that there will be courses for teachers too. “The university will invite specialists from varied backgrounds. Teachers will be initiated into the world of magic which amalgamates different disciplines,” Maneka Sorcar says.

Magic, according to her, is like a double-edged sword in the sense that it can be used to entertain as well as to exploit people. “Professors of psychology, sociology and political science will try to teach the positive and the negative effects of magic at the proposed academy,” she says.

The academy is still in the planning stages and Sorcar hopes that his plans will take a concrete shape by next year.

“We want to leave no stone unturned in teaching magic to people,” says Maneka Sorcar. “The courses will be so comprehensive that they will make me wonder if I could have benefited, had I had access to them as a child.”