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."
Sthapati, Shri S. K. Achari, the Chief Architect and Engineer of the Vivekananda Rock Memorial Project.
Sthapati S.K. Achari hails from teh plac called Devokottai in Ramnad district of Tamil Nadu. He is a disciple of the reputed Shapati, the Late M. Vaidyanath Achari of Mahabalipuram.
Shri S.K. Achari had worked as an Assistant Sthapati in the construction work of Gandhi Mandapam, Adyar. Among many other works to his credit, Shri Raman maharshi's Samadhi Mandapam, Ramanashramam, Thiruvannamalai and Grur Dakshinamoorthi Swamigal Temple, Tiruvarur, are the most well-known.