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 Swami Sambuddhanandaji
Revered Swamiji,
Received your kind letter dated nil after I reached Madras on the 20th.
We are happy to learn that you are generously making available to us some more books by way of donation to Vivekananda Rock Memorial Fund. I am writing to Shri Kalidas Basu, advocate, (5-A, Sukea Street, Calcutta –9; phone No. 35-6586), Calcutta to collect the copies from your office on our Committee’s behalf. He is a member of our All India Committee and a Joint Secretary of our West Bengal State Unit. Even previously, he has received copies of the Centenary Memorial Volume on behalf of our All India Committee.
I hope you are in receipt of my letter dated 18.5.1965 despatched from Nagpur. I am reaching Bombay on the 27th morning where I shall stay for a day and fly to Rajkot to return to Bombay on 31st. I am giving below my Bombay address for the information of your office.
With regards,
Yours affectionately,
Eknath Ranad