Noted Keralite magician and motivational speaker Gopinath Muthukad has been conferred "Celebrity UNICEF Supporter" status to join the efforts of the UN agency in improving condition of children in the state.
UNICEF chief for Kerala and Tamil Nadu regions, Job Zachariah conferred the title on Muthukad at a function here today.
Muthukad, founder of magic-based theme park 'Magic planet' here, is the first to be granted the prestigious status by UNICEF in Kerala.
"As a celebrity UNICEF supporter, he will create awareness on the importance of first 1,000 days of a child and on 10-15 essential interventions to be done in the first 1,000 days," Zachariah said.
The official also said Muthukad would bring credibility and energy in communicating critical messages on child rights to a large number of people, particularly mothers, caregivers and young people.
"I will work towards building awareness on promotion of child rights and other important issues affecting children in our society,"Muthukad said while accepting the invitation from UNICEF.
A recipient of Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy award, Muthukad is also a winner of the International Merlin Award, which is considered as the Oscar in magic.
Sobha Koshy, Chairperson, Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights; Sugata Roy, UNICEF Communication specialist; members of Kerala Child Rights Observatory from different districts and members of Child Welfare Committee attended the function among others.
