At Kanyakumari - a unique symbol of unity and purity - is the Memorial of Swami Vivekananda, another symbol of the united aspiration of Nation. In the Memorial, there is a happy and harmonious blend of all the architectural beauty of the country. It is a symbol of unity because the whole nation wished, worked and contributed for it. Person from all states participated in its inauguration.
"An aggregate or a congregation of men does not make a nation, nor do the geographical area and duration of time qualify a society to be known as a nation. A government formed on such a basis can be called a state, but not a nation. It is common goal or mission that makes a nation. All the constituents strive collectively for something noble. Service with spiritual orientation results in man-making which invariably and inseparably connected with nation building." It is the core of all the thoughts behind Vivekananda Kendra.
Second Phase of Vivekananda Rock Memorial was parallel when Rock Memorial was taking shape. As Eknathji used to say "To put up a Cement and Concrete structure is not the work for which I am born, I am to erect a living and dynamic monument which will be worthy of Swami Vivekananda and which will be capable of bringing into fruition his grand vision of future India."
Letter to Shri Jugalkishorji
Mumbai
Shraddheya Shri Jugalkishorji,
Sadar Pranam.
So many days have passed, I could not meet you. I was busy with the work of Vivekananda Rock Memorial. In initial stage, I had to run here and there to get the permission from Madras Government. But last month we could get the permission from Madras Government and we were busy in search of such a sculptor whose design would be liked by the state government, means ultimately by the Chief Minister Shri Bhaktavatsalam. After that, I was busy for some time in making initial arrangements so as to begin the work. By the grace of the God and best-wishes and help of the so many well-wishers, the construction work of the Memorial has started systemically after overcoming the initial obstacles. I am also somewhat free to tour places other than Kanyakumari and Madras.
We were thinking of publishing a small booklet - in Hindi and in English, to give necessary information regarding the construction work of the Memorial. The booklet in English is ready and printing of the Hindi booklet is going on. I am sending the English booklet for your information with this letter.
I met you in Delhi last year, some time in the month of March-April. After that I could not visit Delhi. You were in Calcutta a few days back, this information was passed on to me by our workers from there. It is nearly a year that I could not visit even Calcutta. I am planning to visit Delhi for a few days in the coming week and then Calcutta. As soon as I reach Delhi, of course, I will contact your residence and find out over phone, the convenient time to meet you.
I could get the chance to tour nearby areas of Kanyakumari and to study the life of illiterate and innocent fishermen and other downtrodden sections of the people there. Though they must have got converted into Christianity long back, the Hindu ethos and Sanskars are still in them in abundance. To bring all these sections of people in this all-encompassing Hindu fold is not a very big task as it seems from outside. Even after such a long gap, all of them do not appear to be totally cut off from Hindu society. For me, many of them look pro-Hindu. The need is for planned and organised efforts of those few dedicated workers who have the inborn natural concern and feeling of oneness for the neglected poor people.
The Memorial for Swami Vivekananda is only a forerunner to that grand plan. If my intuition had not shown that clear direction for future line of action, I would not have taken any interest in this spiritless work of laying stone upon stone.
It is only the vision of that sacred mission hidden in the womb of Time that has inspired and spurred me to undertake this work of the Memorial.
Rest when we meet.
With regards,
Eknath Ranade