THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, India, Aug. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The first phase of the International Institute of People with Disabilities (IIPD) in Kasaragod - aimed at empowering individuals with disabilities, including those with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and ADHD – is expected to be completed in 2026, professional-magician-turned-philanthropist Gopinath Muthukad said on Monday. He also said that the IIPD, designed to accommodate 1,000 beneficiaries, is expected to be fully operational by 2029.

"The success of the Different Art Centre (DAC) in Thiruvananthapuram inspired us to establish the IIPD in Kasaragod. The DAC promotes the holistic development of individuals with disabilities by providing personalised therapies and training in various art forms - including magic, music, dance, drama, and painting - entirely free of cost. Through the arts, the DAC transforms them from a marginalised group into self-reliant and confident individuals. It also offers regular opportunities for them to showcase their talents before diverse live audiences," Muthukad said. "The DAC provides stipends to individuals with disabilities, while their mothers earn a livelihood through small-scale manufacturing units, including handicraft-making facilities. Since its establishment in 2019, the DAC has brought positive changes to the lives of hundreds of individuals with disabilities. It currently supports above 150 students with disabilities. The IIPD will be an expanded version of this model." Muthukad further said that both the DAC and IIPD are model initiatives that can be replicated to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities. "These are not merely institutions offering therapies; their ultimate goal is to empower individuals with disabilities and their families - socially, emotionally, and even financially. DAC and IIPD stand as models that other states and countries can adopt," he added.

Muthukad has been using magic as a medium to raise awareness about the need to empower individuals with disabilities for several years. In 2024, he conducted his fifth national awareness expedition themed Inclusive India, travelling from Kanyakumari to Kashmir. The expedition promoted the message of social inclusion for individuals with disabilities. Between October and December, he covered more than 22,000 km, passing through every state in India. The expedition featured specially designed magic shows aimed at promoting inclusivity and challenging the social stigmas associated with disability.

"I was a professional magician who performed on hundreds of stages. Recently, I have shifted my full focus to the welfare of individuals with disabilities, and now my life's mission is to create a world where they are fully included and valued. A family with an individual with a disability needs the support of society. Individuals with disabilities face steep challenges - from physical barriers such as inaccessible buildings and staircases without ramps to limited access to quality education, therapies, and future job opportunities. Social stigma, lack of affordable assistive devices, and financial strain on families only add to their struggles," he explained.

He further added that what they need is far more than sympathy. "They need inclusive schools, accessible infrastructure, skill training, job opportunities, affordable healthcare, and platforms to showcase their talents. A model project of DAC, 'Magik Homes,' promotes inclusivity. Under this initiative, individuals with disabilities receive houses with customized accessibility features. The plan is to construct one 'Magik Home' in each district of Kerala. So far, four 'Magik Homes' have been handed over to individuals with disabilities in Kasaragod, Idukki, Malappuram, and Wayanad. The keys of the fifth Magik Home will be handed over in August in Thiruvananthapuram. The IIPD will continue for decades beyond my lifetime, empowering them and enabling them to live with dignity," he said.

To promote awareness of the IIPD project, Muthukad recently staged a magic show in Kerala titled Illusion to Inspiration. The event was a resounding success, drawing significant public attention to the IIPD initiative. The presence of P. C. Sorcar Jr., who inaugurated the magic show, brought nationwide attention to the event. The IIPD project, with an estimated cost of ₹100 crore, is being developed on 25 acres of land in Kasaragod.

About DAC The Different Art Centre (DAC) was established by renowned magician Gopinath Muthukad from Kerala, India. The centre was inaugurated on 7 November 2019 by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. DAC is a world-class institution that not only provides high-quality training in diverse art forms such as music, dance, painting, and musical instruments but also creates opportunities for children with disabilities to present their talents before a wide and appreciative audience. Through its carefully designed programs, DAC promotes both mental and physical development, enabling students to achieve independence, self-confidence, and a meaningful place in society.

About Gopinath Muthukad Gopinath Muthukad is an Indian magician, motivational speaker, and philanthropist. He is a UNICEF celebrity supporter for child rights activities. He has also received the International Merlin Award, the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award, and the Kerala Sree Award. He began learning magic in childhood, drawing inspiration from the Indian performing magician Vazhakkunnam Neelakandan Namboothiri. He has performed on hundreds of stages across India and abroad, captivating audiences with both wonder and wisdom.

He founded the Academy of Magical Sciences in Thiruvananthapuram in 1996 with the vision of teaching and popularizing the art of magic. The Magic Academy aims to dispel superstitions and uplift street magicians. He undertook five national expeditions from Kanyakumari to Kashmir - Vismay Bharata Yatra (2002), Gandhi Mantra (2005), Vismay Swaraj Yatra (2007), Mission India (2010), and Inclusive India (2024) - to spread Gandhian values and promote peace and social inclusion. In 2019, he established the Different Art Centre (DAC) in Thiruvananthapuram to empower children with neurodevelopmental conditions, including Autism, ADHD, Intellectual Disabilities, and genetic disorders.

Photo: (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PRNewswire and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR