'Indians need to refresh patriotic, nationalistic values'

Goa's future depends on how the coastal state blends its human and natural resources, she added.

"Independence Day is a solemn occasion for all the citizens of our country to refresh their patriotic and nationalistic moorings and to rededicate themselves to the fulfilment of the democratic ideals cherished by the founding fathers and valiant freedom fighters of our country," Sinha said in her message.

"The state is fortunately endowed with rich and abundant natural resources. Needless to add, the future of Goa rests largely on the intelligent and synergistic blending of these precious human and natural resources."

Sinha also urged Goans to take all possible steps to integrate "diverse sections of the society in order to maintain peace and tranquillity and the prevailing communal harmony, peaceful co-existence and fraternal relations among different religions and linguistic denominations".