Audience left awestruck as deaf and dumb presents magic

From: Times of Oman, Oman - Dec 8, 2004

MUSCAT — A deaf and dumb magician, Ravichandra from Hyderabad, mesmerised the audience here and in Salalah during the annual day celebrations organised by the Telugu wings of the Indian Social Club.

The people were awestruck at the ease with which Limca Book of World Records-fame Ravichandra, assisted by his father Sitaram, conducted his feats one by one to the tune of western music, which he could not hear. The Telugu Wing in Muscat conducted a quiz programme for children.

Among the five teams participated, WhizKids emerged the winners. Ramana Murthy was the quizmaster and Leela Bharat assisted him.

The annual general body meeting of the wing, conducted after the programme, selected Ram Dhanvantari as the new convener, Tirupati Reddy as the co-convener and Srinivasa Rao as the treasurer.

Ravi Sai, former convenor, gave away the prizes. OHI Electronics sponsored the event.

In Salalah, the Andhra Vibhag of the ISC celebrated Andhra Pradesh Formation Day with pomp on November 25. Magician Ravichandra, whose trip was sponsored by Sands Contracting Company LLC, mesmerised the audience with his magical events.

The programme started with a welcome address by co-convener of the wing Seshi Reddy. Convener Khader Nawaz Khan said people of Andhra were proud to celebrate AP Formation Day. The cultural programme began with a salutation song Ma Telugu Talliki Malle Poo Danda, by Sambasiva Rao, cultural secretary of the wing, Shaik Ali Ahmed, Rama Devi and other members of the wing. The programme captivated the audience with wonderful songs and graceful dances choreographed by Nityanand, sports secretary. Dr Ramesh Krishna's Bharatanatyam was an added attraction.

Another highlight of the programme was its high-tech presentation: on one side a screen thanking His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, and on the other a screen relaying the programme live.

At the end of the programme all guests were served delicious Andhra food. Srinivasa Dev, joint cultural secretary of the wing, proposed a vote of thanks.

© 2004 Times of Oman