Boy with cerebral palsy breaking barriers as a magician

23-year-old R Vishnu, a magician with cerebral palsy, defies odds with his awe-inspiring tricks and perseverance.

Having trained himself to become a magician, 23-year-old R Vishnu, a person with cerebral palsy and learning disabilities is leaving the city audience in awe with his tricks. When he makes a girl float mid-air, it is not mere entertainment but a testament to his extraordinary perseverance to acquire skills.

As Vishnu performs his tricks, his confidence and movements overshadow the challenges that his mind and body pose, such as a head tilt or fidgety movements. While watching him on stage he endears himself to the audience with the flair of a professional.

One of Vishnu’s favorite tricks involves penetrating a large piece of glass. It is a metaphor for his own life as he continues to overcome barriers and achieve milestones. From performing magic tricks involving small objects to illusion acts, there is a seamless leap in his performances.

Vishnu recently came into the spotlight at a nationwide campaign, Inclusive India organised by Thiruvananthapuram-based Different Art Centre (DAC) in association with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. “The initiative promotes social inclusion for persons with disabilities through featured performances by specially-abled children from across India,” says DAC founder Gopinath Muthukad.

He says from the time Vishnu joined DAC to hone his skills, his passion for magic was palpable. “He is very independent and self-sufficient,” says Gopinath. “His performance won so much public adulation that Vishnu in the last six months has not only traversed the country but also been to Japan, Singapore, Dubai and Abu Dhabi to participate in events. He is a perfect example of self-determination, motivation and positivity,” says Gopinath who has seen Vishnu come this far from being a hyperactive child. “Earlier, he would struggle to do things but now look at the confidence with which he performs, engaging the crowd and interacting with them in his own way,” he adds.

Gopinath shares with pride that Vishnu who comes from an economically disadvantaged background, was able to earn ₹13 lakhs last year through his performances and contributed his earnings to his sister’s wedding. He is an inspiration and a role model for the many other specially-abled children, says Gopinath. “Pursuing your dreams against all odds is not easy and Vishnu’s perseverance is a strong social message.”

Garima Sharma