The science behind magic

Schoolchildren in the city are spending their summer vacation for both fun and learning by indulging in activities at the Magic and Science Workshop being held at Gora Science Centre on Saturday. The annual workshop being organised by the Atheist Centre aims at developing scientific attitude and rational thinking among children.

Magicians Goutham and P Bheemanna demonstrated several magic tricks on the first day of the two-day workshop, some of which included creation of holy ash out of thin air, placing burning camphor in the mouth and palm, casting holy items from the mouth and piercing the tongue with a small trident.

The secrets behind so called miracles by fake Babas and Swamijis to deceive the gullible were explained in detail at the workshop. The enthusiastic kids took active part in leaning the tricks and understanding the science behind it. Addressing the participants at the workshop, Dr G Samaram, former national president of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), said that the annual event of the Atheist Centre was a big hit among children.

He exhorted students to keenly observe science experiments in the classroom, think and question their teachers as it helps them develop scientific temper. “The aim of the workshop is to eradicate superstitions in society, which are a major hindrance to economic development of the country,” he said. Gora Science Centre director G Niyanta and secretary G Vijayam were also present at the workshop.