National Statistics Day is observed annually on 29th June in India. The day pays tribute to the work and contributions of late Professor and Scientist Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis in the fields of statistics and economic planning. Along with honouring Mahalanobis, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) also rewards outstanding contributions to the official statistical system through high-quality research in applied and theoretical statistics.
Objective of National Statistic Day
The main purpose of this day is to popularise the use of statistics in everyday life and make the public aware about how statistics aid in shaping policies. By doing so, it aims to raise awareness, particularly among the younger generation, about the role of statistics in socio-economic planning.
Theme for 2022: Data for Sustainable Development
Every year, Statistics Day is celebrated with a theme linked to an issue of national importance. For 2022, the theme selected is ‘Data for Sustainable Development.’
A glimpse into the life of Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis
Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis was a globally renowned Indian statistician and founder of the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) in 1932. Initially a physicist, he developed a keen interest in statistics upon encountering Biometrika, a reputable peer-reviewed statistics journal at the time. This piqued his curiosity, introducing him to the wide-ranging applications of statistics in various disciplines.
Mahalanobis’s Contributions to Statistics
Over the course of his career, Mahalanobis made significant contributions to the field of statistics. He introduced the ‘Mahalanobis distance’, a statistical measure, and pioneered anthropometry – the study of human measurements in India. He devised large-scale sample surveys and sampling methods, along with the Feldman-Mahalanobis model, a Neo-Marxian model of economic development. This model served as a vital tool in India’s Second Five Year Plan, facilitating the country’s rapid industrialization.
Mahalanobis’s Bond with Rabindranath Tagore
Mahalanobis enjoyed a close relationship with renowned poet Rabindranath Tagore. They first met in Shanti Niketan in 1910, and their bond grew over time. Mahalanobis authored a series of essays titled ‘Rabindra Parichay’ (‘Introduction to Rabindra’) for the esteemed Bengali magazine, Probashi, and helped Tagore set up Vishva Bharti.
Key Moments in Mahalanobis’s Career
Some pivotal moments in Mahalanobis’s career include his introduction of the Mahalanobis Distance in 1930, the establishment of the ISI in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) in 1932, and the launch of ‘Sankhya: The Indian Journal of Statistics’ in 1933. In 1950, he founded the National Sample Survey and set up the Central Statistical Organisation to coordinate statistical activities. In 1955, he joined the Planning Commission, where he remained till 1967 and played a crucial role in formulating India’s second five-year-plan (1956-1961), which laid the blueprint for industrialisation and development in India.
Additionally, he was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan in 1968 and received numerous awards from international organisations. His life and work have significantly impacted the field of statistics and continue to inspire statisticians across the globe.