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Celebrating Prof. P.C. Mahalanobis on National Statistics Day 2023

Each year, on June 29, National Statistics Day is commemorated to honor the remarkable contributions of Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis in the fields of statistics and economic planning. Widely recognized as the ‘father of Indian statistics,’ Prof. Mahalanobis is renowned for his groundbreaking work on the Mahalanobis distance, a statistical measure used to assess the disparity between a point and a distribution.

Event Details and Chief Guest

The National Statistics Day 2023 event is currently underway at the Scope Convention Centre, Scope Complex, Lodhi Road in New Delhi. The esteemed Chief Guest for this occasion is Rao Inderjit Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.

National Statistics Day Theme 2023

This year, National Statistics Day revolves around the theme of “Alignment of State Indicator Framework with National Indicator Framework for Monitoring Sustainable Development Goals.” This theme underscores the importance of aligning state-level indicators with the national framework to effectively monitor and achieve sustainable development goals.

Significance of National Statistics Day 2023

National Statistics Day holds great significance in raising public awareness, especially among the younger generation, about the pivotal role and significance of statistics in strategic planning, economic development, and policy formulation. It serves as a reminder to learn from the remarkable achievements of Prof. Mahalanobis in the field of statistics.

Historical Background and Prof. Mahalanobis’ Contributions

On June 5, 2007, the Indian government officially designated June 29 as National Statistics Day to pay homage to the invaluable contributions made by Prof. Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis. He played a pivotal role as a member of India’s inaugural planning commission and was instrumental in establishing the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) in 1931.

Prof. Mahalanobis, born on June 29, 1893, in Kolkata, was an eminent scientist and statistician. His most notable accomplishment was the development of the “Mahalanobis Distance,” a formula employed to measure the distance between a point and its distribution points in multiple dimensions, which proves indispensable in classification and cluster analysis.

Another noteworthy milestone in Prof. Mahalanobis’ illustrious career was the establishment of the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) in 1950. Through the 1959 Act of the Indian Parliament, ISI was accorded the status of an institute of national importance.

In recognition of his exceptional contributions to the field of statistics and his dedicated service to the nation, Prof. Mahalanobis was honored with the prestigious Padma Vibhushan Award in 1968. Sadly, he passed away on June 28, 1972, one day before his 79th birthday, leaving behind an enduring legacy.

In conclusion, National Statistics Day serves as an annual tribute, celebrating the enduring legacy of Prof. Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis and his extraordinary contributions to the realm of statistics and economic planning. The event aims to heighten awareness, particularly among the younger generation, regarding the crucial role of statistics in shaping policies and fostering sustainable development.

National Statistics Day 2023 – FAQs

Q1: Who was Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis?

Ans: Prof. Mahalanobis, also known as Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, was a well-known statistician and scientist. He is frequently referred to as the “father of Indian statistics” and is credited with several important achievements, such as the creation of the Mahalanobis distance, a statistic that assesses the difference between a point and a distribution.

Q2: Why is National Statistics Day significant?

Ans: National Statistics Day is significant in raising public knowledge of the function and relevance of statistics in strategic planning, economic development, and policy-making, particularly among the younger generation. It pays homage to Prof. Mahalanobis and his outstanding contributions to the field of statistics.

Q3: What are Prof. Mahalanobis’ notable contributions?

Ans: As a member of India’s first planning committee, Professor Mahalanobis played a crucial role in the establishment of the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) in 1931. The Mahalanobis distance formula, which is utilized in classification and cluster analysis, was also created by him. He also won the Padma Vibhushan honour in 1968 for his services to the nation and his contributions to the sciences.

Author

  • Priti Palit, an accomplished edtech writer, boasts a wealth of experience in preparing candidates for multiple government exams. With a passion for education and a keen eye for detail, she has contributed significantly to the field of online learning. Priti's expertise and dedication continue to empower aspiring individuals in their pursuit of success in government examinations.

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