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
Madras
Mananeeya Shri Bhaktavatsalam,
Respectful Pranams.
Following our meeting on August 3, when you were kind enough to peruse the various draft plans prepared by architects and convey your general approval to one of them, I immediately addressed myself to the task of getting the selected plan finally drawn with suggestions and changes proposed by you as well as by Pujyapada Srimad Sankaracharya Swamigal of Kamakoti Peetam, incorporated into it.
In the first instance, accompanied by the architect, Sri S.K. Achary, I reached Kanyakumari, visited the site and assured myself that your useful suggestion to provide at least 10 feet wide platform round the Dhyana Mantapam could quite conveniently be implemented without necessitating any reduction of the Mantapam dimensions shown in the selected plan.
Apart from that open Prakaram (with a short parapet wall or railings round it) on the top it is also proposed to have on the lower slopes a twelve feet wide pathway starting from the jetty point and leading to the front and side entrances of the Dhyana Mantapam. Such a pathway with railings would, besides facilitating the transport of building material to the top, add to the convenience of the visitors and also further ensure their safety.
Pujyapada Acharya Swamigal has been very kind in advising us on the important details of the plan of the Dhyana Mantapam. I visited the Mutt twice after I met you last. As desired by him I have met him day before yesterday along with the architect. In that meeting Pujyapada Swamiji, while emphasising the necessity to avoid the memorial structure getting confused with a traditional temple of some Deity, gave very valuable suggestions regarding what might be the appropriate and proper patterns or designs for the Front Entrance Gate and the Dome of the Mantapam. Accordingly, the architect has already begun the work of preparing the final drawing. It is hoped that he would be able to complete it by August 29 when our Managing Committee is scheduled to meet primarily to adopt the final plan.
I propose to call on you on 29th morning hoping that you will kindly grant me a few minutes of your valuable time. Besides being able to show you the final drawing I would also get an opportunity to receive from you further suggestions, if any, prior to the Managing Committee Meeting taking place the same evening.
I am sure the matter regarding the construction of the Jetties at Kanyakumari has been engaging your urgent attention and the final orders will be passed before long.
You will be pleased to learn that I availed of the opportunity of Mananeeya Shri Jayachamaraja Wodayar’s visit to Kanyakumari on August 5 and presented to him there an Album of Photographs relating to the Vivekananda Rock. Though he looked a bit embarrassed in the beginning he was satisfied when informed about our latest meeting and about the plan of the Memorial getting finalised soon. I look forward to secure his active co-operation in the cause. However, a suitable reference in that connection during one of your meetings with him will be very much helpful in paving the way for it.
During my stay at Kanyakumari, I met the Devaswom Board President, Shri Bhoothalingam Pillai. I showed him the plan and discussed with him other relevant matters.
Similarly, I also thought it proper and useful to acquaint the new Collector and the new S.P. with the latest situation and the plan under finalisation. I could meet both of them and discuss the matter at length.
I have not been able to write to Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri after we met last though I very much wanted to do so and apprise him of the present progress regarding the finalisation of the plan. I, however, hope that you might have had suitable opportunity to refer to it during your recent meetings with him in the Capital.
I hope your wounded arm is getting healed up progressively. I pray for its speedy recovery.
With regards,
Yours sincerely,