The Government has urged the 25 million overseas Indians spread across the globe to be part of the country's growth story. Addressing the valedictory function of the 8th Pravasi Bharatiya Sammelan in New Delhi last evening, the President, Mrs. Pratibha Devi Singh Patil invited the Indian diaspora to invest in the country under public-private partnership model. Terming the growth story as an absorbing, exciting and a continuing one she said the diverse Indian community can be an important input in India's march to becoming a developed country.<br/>Mrs. Patil said that India is the most preferred investment destination in the world as it has a strong capital market regulator and a strong central bank. She said that India posted a growth of 6.7 per cent last fiscal and this will reach over seven per cent this year. In the post crisis world, India is increasingly perceived as one of the main engine of growth and a safe destination for investment. It is also an emerging educational and technological hub.<br/>Saluting the Indians workers in Gulf, the President said the remittances from overseas has reached over 50 billion US dollars last year, which is highest in the world. Out of this, 20 billion US dollars come from Gulf. She said, the Indian Community Welfare Fund established in 18 countries will provide timely help to overseas Indians in distress.<br/>The President said that the Government is strongly taking up issues of protection and security of Indians, particularly students, with countries where they live.<br/><br/>The President also conferred the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman award to 14 distinguished members of the Indian diaspora for their achievements in life and contribution to the welfare of the Indian community and enhancing India's image overseas. The recipients include Mohinder Singh Bhullar, Brunei Darussalam, Yanktesh Piramal Reddy, Fiji, Ryuko Hira, Japan, Dr. Ruby Umesh Pawankar ,Japan ,Suresh Kumar Virmani, Oman.,Pravin Jamnadas Gordhan, finance minister of South Africa, Tholisah Perumal Naidoo , Durban,Rajni ,Tanzania and Lenny Krishendath Saith Trinidad & Tobago,Dr. Azad , United Arab Emirates,Mani Lal Bhaumik , US,Ashok Kumar Mago ,US .<br/><br/>About 1500 delegates from over 50 countries participated in the three day event which ended yesterday.