The Second Phase of the Vivekananda Rock Memorial unfolded in parallel when it was taking shape. Sri Eknathji often said “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.”
Thus, Vivekananda Kendra - An Extraordinary Organization with Ordinary Men - came into existence. Mananeeya Sri Eknathji Ranade, the visionary behind the Memorial, founded Vivekananda Kendra in 1972 as a spiritually oriented service mission. It serves as a living memorial to Swami Vivekananda, comprising a cadre of dedicated Jeevanvratis, Sevavratis, Vanaprasthis, along with thousands of local Karyakartas and lakhs of patrons, well-wishers, and subscribers to our publications. With ‘Man-Making’ and ‘Nation Building’ as its twin objectives, Kendra is centered around the noble thought that "Service to Mankind is Worship of God", guided by the national ideals of Renunciation and Service.
For actualizing the vision of Swami Vivekananda, the Vivekananda Kendra has over 1,332 branch centers spread across 26 states of India, working for all layers of society to rebuild the nation. To achieve this, full-time karyakarthas (Jeevan-vrattis) and local karyakarthas of the Kendra carry out various service activities through Yoga Varga, Swadhyaya Varga (Study Circle), Samskar Varga (Cultural classes), Kendra Varga (for nurturing karyakarthas), Organizing Youth and Women, Rural Development, Education, Development of Natural Resources, and Publications based on the life and message of Swami Vivekananda. The Kendra urges everyone to join in this task of national regeneration.
