IN SHORT
- Celebrated on June 29th in honor of Professor P.C. Mahalanobis.2024 theme: “Use of Data for Decision-Making”.
- Mahalanobis founded the Indian Statistical Institute and contributed to economic planning.
- The day promotes the importance of statistics in policy-making and development.
- Activities include seminars, awards, public lectures, and educational programs.National Statistics Day is specific to India; World Statistics Day is on October 20th.
Every year on June 29, India celebrate National Statistics Day in memory of Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis. In an effort to increase awareness of the role that data plays in decision-making processes, this day highlights the significance of statistics in socioeconomic planning and policy-making.
The 2024 Theme
The 18th National Statistics Day (2024) will have “Use of Data for Decision-Making” as its topic. This subject highlights how important it is to have accurate and reliable information while making choices at all government and social levels.
Who was Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis?
Professor Mahalanobis, known as the “Father of Indian Statistics”, was a pioneering statistician and economist born on June 29, 1893. His significant contributions include:
- Founding the Indian Statistical Institute in 1931
- Developing innovative statistical techniques and tools
- Establishing the National Sample Survey for comprehensive data collection
- Creating the Central Statistical Organization in 1950
- Contributing to India’s Five-Year Plans with his economic models
- Serving as honorary statistical adviser to the Indian government
- Receiving the Padma Vibhushan in 1968
Why is National Statistics Day important?
This is an important day for a number of reasons:
- It honors Professor Mahalanobis’ legacy and his statistical achievements.
- It raises awareness of the value of statistics in the development of public policy.
- It promotes the utilization of data for well-informed decision-making in a range of industries.
- It promotes public statistical literacy.
- It brings focus to the role statistics play in the nation’s socioeconomic advancement.
History of National Statistics Day
- The government of India declared National Statistics Day in 2007.
- The first meeting was held on June 29, 2007.
- Since then, it has been celebrated yearly, with a new theme every time.
Contributions to Indian Planning
India’s economic planning was greatly influenced by Professor Mahalanobis:
- Developed the Second Five-Year Plan’s Mahalanobis model, which promoted industrialization.
- Highlighted the importance of data collecting and analysis in the creation of policy.
The Role of Statistics in Modern India
Statistics are crucial for numerous aspects of society and administration, including:
- Providing information for state and federal policy choices.
- Directing development and economic planning techniques.
- Supporting companies in making data-driven choices.
- Encouraging research in a variety of disciplines.
- Facilitating the use of evidence-based methods to address social and economic problems.
National Statistics Day vs. World Statistics Day
It’s important to distinguish between the two:
- National Statistics Day (India): June 29th
- World Statistics Day: October 20th (observed globally)
READ ALSO : Mumbai’s Underground Metro: A New Era of Commuting Begins in July
About the Author
