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."
Another view of the stone-dressing yard.
As the memorial structure was to be in stone, the stone-drssing work formed the most essential priliminary part of the construction work.
The stone-dressing work was inaugurated on 6th November 1964, with only six artisans. Several work-sheds were put-up for that purpose on a spacious plot of land on the Kanyakumari shore.
Similarly, temporary quarters were also constructed at a suitalbe place in the Kanyakumari township to provide accommodation for skilled stone-artisans who came to Kanyakumari fro mvarioujs parts of Tamil Nadu to work on the project.