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 M. Bhaktavatsalam
Shri M Bhaktavatsalam
Chief Minister of Madras
Fort St. George, Madras – 9
Dear Sir,
Please refer to our application dated 23-10-’64. In that application we had placed before you, for your favourable consideration, some of our requirements necessary for carrying on the construction work of the Vivekananda Memorial at Kanyakumari. We hope the matter has been engaging your kind attention.
As the necessary procedural formalities prior to the Government decision regarding our request for the allotment of Government land to the Committee, mentioned in the application, are bound to take their own time we are approaching you with a limited purpose of requesting you to grant us immediately the use of the walled plot of Government land near the Kanyakumari Bus Stand on the East of the road leading to Gandhi Mandapam and South of the West-East road meeting the main road to the Temple. We are starting the preliminary work of the cutting and chiselling of stones on November 6, that being an auspicious day for that purpose. If we can get the Government sanction for the use of the said plot within that date, we shall be able to start the work on the scheduled dated quite conveniently.
We, therefore, pray that the permission for the use of the above mentioned Government land be immediately granted to the Committee so that the work may be started forthwith by putting up temporary worksheds over it. After the construction work of the memorial is over, the said plot would be handed over to the Government in its original condition.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
Eknath Ranade