Panaji, Vices such as AIDS and drug addiction are against the Indian tradition and should be tackled effectively, Goa Governor Mridula Sinha said in her address on the eve of the state’s Liberation Day.

“On the social front, we have to keep Goa away from evils such as crime, drug addiction and AIDS. These vices are against our traditions. The citizens of Goa and the voluntary associations should work in close co-operation with the government to tide over social, cultural and other challenges,” Sinha said.

Sinha, who is a brand ambassador of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also appealed to the people of Goa to willingly contribute to the cleanliness movement.

Goa was a Portuguese colony for 451 years before it was liberated by the Indian armed forces on December 19, 1961.

“A number of agencies are making state-wise efforts to create awareness in this regard. I have short-listed Panaji, Mapusa, Ponda and Vasco (all the major towns in the state) as model cities for the purpose of cleanliness drives… I once again appeal to the people of Goa to contribute selflessly in the interests of state and the country to make Swachh Bharat Abhiyan a success,” she said.