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 S. Venkataraman
Mumbai
Dear Shri S. Venkataraman,
Saprema Namaskar.
I hope this finds you in your normal vigour and health and that you are now completely free from your erstwhile ailment. In my case, however, old throat trouble has cropped up again, though it is yet under control.
I may return to Madras directly from Bombay on the 18th. If at all I go to Nagpur I hope to reach Madras from there on the 16th.
I am trying to take a team of experts to Kanyakumari very soon. Up till now Shri Dixit and Shri U. Apte have agreed to reach Madras on the 20th and starting the next day by Tirunelveli Express, they will reach Kanyakumari on 22nd evening to be on the Rock sufficiently well before the sunset. One expert water-finder is also expected to accompany Shri Dixit and Apte. One renowned architect from Bombay is also being sounded and it is likely that he may agree to devote some time and take a trip to the Cape. Three reservations have been already booked in the Madras Express. Of course, I shall reach Madras earlier. Naturally, I shall accompany the party to the Cape.
The modified plan has been shown to a number of prominent persons and also to some in the profession. Though none has anything to comment on the dome section, almost all have opined that the Entrance has become unproportionately bigger in size and will obstruct the view of the Dome and mar its grandeur. In the side elevation the elaborate decorations in the upper half of the Entrance including the peacock are not considered in keeping with comparatively simple designs either on the dome or elsewhere. On the whole they have preferred the original pattern of the Entrance Gate, especially the upper half. The consensus of opinion is that the entrance designs up to the beam level were good but the entire frontage need not be extended above the beam level. The typical Ajanta arch by itself would be enough there.
Please convey these opinions to our Sthapathi and see if he agrees with the critics. If he does, he may prepare an alternative design for the Entrance gate, keeping in view the useful out of the suggestions made.
Assuming that I am reaching Madras on the 16th the accurate and to the scale sketch drawing of the cellar must reach Madras before that time. Most probably I shall see the Chief Minister the same day or at the most, the next day. Please remind the Sthapathi about the same and get it prepared and send it to the Head Office without delay.
When I meet the Chief Minister I shall also report to him about the opinions expressed by the architects here and seek his advice. I shall also inform him about the possible alterations in the modified design of the Entrance gate after the visit of experts to the Cape.
Please contact Shri Subramaniyam of the Meenakshi Bhavan and request him to find suitable land for the Committee and keep some alternative proposals ready for finalisation when I visit the place next.
I have not been able to contact anybody from the Cementation Company. However, I shall try to do so in the next few days.
Now that we have got phone in our office at Kanyakumari it should be easy to get an extension in your residence. I say this because if I want to contact you on phone it will not be possible easily as you stay quite at a distance from the office. Fix up your residence finally and apply for an extension there.
I hope the written permission for the Kottaram land has been obtained and permission for the Government land near the bus stand is also on the way.
I am very much anxious to know when the accounts from Kanyakumari would reach Madras. Because the Managing Committee meeting date is to be fixed accordingly. I am sure the accounts would reach Madras and Poona.
Just now I had a telephonic talk with Nagpur. As a result my trip to Nagpur has been cancelled. Now I shall leave Bombay for Madras by Madras Mail on the 16th which reaches Madras on 18th Morning.
If necessary you may write to me on Bombay address.
Please convey my Saprema namaskars to Shri Achari, Shri Parameswaran, Shri Shankarnarayan Chettiar, Shri Kalyan Subramaniyam, Shri Kolappan, Shri Balan and all other coworkers.
Yours,
Eknath Ranade