Context:
National Statistics Day is celebrated in India on June 29 every year.
Relevance:
Facts for Prelims
Dimensions of the Article:
- About National Statistics Day
- Who is Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis?
About National Statistics Day:
- Purpose and Recognition:
- Celebrated to honor the significant contributions of Professor (late) Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis in statistics and economic planning.
- Aims to raise public awareness, especially among the youth, about the importance of statistics in socio-economic planning and policy formulation for the country’s development.
- History and Themes:
- Inception: Since 2007, celebrated annually with a theme of contemporary national importance.
- 2024 Theme: “Use of data for decision-making”.
- Emphasizes the importance of data-driven decision-making for informed decisions and better understanding of statistical information for evidence-based policymaking.
Who is Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis?
- Birth and Legacy:
- Born on 29 June 1893.
- Known as the father of Indian statistics, an influential Indian scientist and statistician.
- His contributions to India’s post-independence economic planning are significant.
- Achievements:
- Founder: Established the Indian Statistical Institute in 1931, a premier institution for statistical research and training.
- Awards: Received the Padma Vibhushan, one of India’s highest civilian awards, for his contributions to science.
