Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has said the Vaishnavite spiritualism has been the strength of the Indian society and this inherent power has safeguarded us as a nation, in spite of repeated onslaught from outside. <br/><br/>Addressing the opening session, after ceremoniously launching the centenary celebrations of Gaudiya Math and Mission in Kolkata today, the Prime Minister said, the world has always wondered at our inherent strength of spiritual consciousness to survive against all odds. <br/><br/>Vishnavite scholars and reformers and the Bhakti movement, launched and led by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Acharya Shankardev, Sant Tukaram, Narsi Mehta and others kept us united amid sheer diversities and later formed the basis of our freedom struggle as well, Mr. Modi said.<br/><br/>Bhagvadgita, perhaps the only scripture that was created amid an ongoing war and death of dear ones, directs us to remain unaffected by petty emotions and keep on working for the larger goal of welfare for all, Mr. Modi said. <br/><br/>Referring to social reformers like Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar and Ram Mohan Roy, the Prime Minister said, we have always been moving ahead for welfare of the mankind with the balanced approach of using Shastra and Shastras together.<br/><br/>Mr. Modi arrived in the city this evening to attend the inaugural session of the three-year-long centenary celebrations held at Netaji Indoor Stadium.<br/><br/>Senior monks from the Gaudiya Math, West Bengal Governor K N Tripathi, Tripura Governor Tathagata Roy, Union Minister Babul Supriyo and West Bengal Minister Firhad Hakim among others attended the programme.