The Government of Goa and all local self Government bodies today accorded a civic reception in honour of the visiting President of India smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil at the National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula near Panaji. Speaking on the occasion Smt. Patil commended the progress done by the tiny state in all the spheres including health, science, literacy, and environment and said the government will make efforts to preserve the unique nature of Goa. She said she is pleased with the efforts taken by the state Government in preserving the flora and fauna in the state. She hoped this will go a long way in boosting tourism in the state.<br/><br/>The President of India will attend the annual convocation of the Goa University tomorrow in the morning as the chief guest where the university will confer a honarary D. Lit on her. Later Smt. Patil will proceed to Pune on completion of four day visit to the state<br/>