Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari lies on the southern most tip of peninsular India. Kanyakumari is the meeting point for Arabian sea, Indian Ocean and Bay of bengal. The rustic atmosphere combined with intense sunshine can put off tourists. The saving grace of Kanyakumari is Vivekananda Ashram which is economically priced accomodation for 2 people. The tariff is Rs 200/- which is budget friendly.

Ranade the founder of the Ashram had established this place for serenity. The trust is functioning with great sense of pride to promote the traditions. It was with people's movement the Rock memorial was built by Ranade, even though many industrialist came forward to sponsor construction. One ruppee campaign was begun to garner the support of the people to build the memorial.

PROLOUGE : In 1962 the birth centenary of Swami Vivekanada was celeberated wherein the idea of putting up a memorial on the rock germinated. But invevitably controversy erupted since the christian folks wanted it to be St Xavier's memorial. A big cross was implanted on the rock by the catholic fishermen, it caused the Hindu sentiments to boil, they managed to quietly bury the cross and place a tablet for association with Vivekanada swami. Eknath Ranade stepped into the picture and garnered support of 322 MP's and changed the opinion of Kabir. With the support of L.B. Shastri and J.L. Nehru, a final decree was presented before TN CM Bhaktavatsalam, who had give in his nod. Within a short period ex RSS man Ranade dedicated the Rock Memorial in 1970 to the nation.

On 7th January 1972 Vivekananda Kendra was founded to harness a spiritually oriented service mission of non monastic order. The Jeevanrathis, who take an vow to serve the society, would be trained and sent to different parts of the country. Their well being will be taken care by life patrons.