Panaji, Jan 26 (IANS): Goa Governor Mridula Sinha on Tuesday called on people to stay united in the face of divisive and anti-national forces.

Speaking at the 67th Republic Day parade here, the governor said the biggest duty of the citizens is to stay alert and cooperate with state and national agencies to maintain security and harmony.

"Our biggest duty is to stay united in the face of divisive and anti-national forces. Staying alert and (showing) cooperation with security agencies can help both the state as well as central agencies to maintain security," Sinha said.

Lamenting that a combination of poverty, malnutrition and unhygenic conditions was taking a toll on the health of the nation's citizenry, she also said the country needs to complement modern medicine with ancient Indian medicinal wisdom.

"Many of the diseases are rooted in poverty, malnutrition and poor hygiene. We can stop these illnesses to quite an extent if we can provide people with nutrition, healthy environment, clean water and education," Sinha said.

"Today, the health condition of citizens of our country are worrisome and deplorable. While we are using modern medicine to overcome many fatal diseases, we are confronted with newer illnesses creeping up," she said, while advocating adaptation of ancient medicinal systems.