Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902) had undertaken long journeys in search of truth before he reached the shores of Ras Kumari. Spotting a small island one furlong off the coast, he swam out to it, and there engaged himself in meditation. After some time, he returned to the shore and devoted himself to propagation of Hinduism.
A large centre has now been established on this island. The construction, which had begun after independence, was completed in 1970. The main aim of the centre is “man-making”. When it made an appeal for recruitment of workers, dozens of highly-educated men and women, as well as hundreds of young volunteers, responded to the call, and dedicated their lives to continuing Vivekananda’s mission. They became life workers for this cause.
Dr H R Nigendar is one of these dedicated volunteers. Previously, he held a high position in Space Flight Centre in America, but is now content with the modest life that the Centre has to offer him. He does not feel out of place there. “A scientist’s job,” he says, “is to search for truth, and my search is continuing. Earlier it was in mechanical engineering, now it is in human engineering.” Hundreds of people have abandoned a comfortable life and high positions to engage in the quiet, constructive work that the centre is conducting in various states around the country. In the words of Dr Nigendar, “It is a rich life indeed–rich in job satisfaction.”
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