What is National Statistics Day?
National Statistics Day is celebrated in India every year on June 29th. This day honors the birth anniversary of Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, a renowned statistician and economist. The day aims to raise awareness about the importance of statistics in socio-economic planning and policy-making.
The 2024 Theme
For the 18th National Statistics Day in 2024, the theme is “Use of data for decision-making”. This theme highlights the crucial role that accurate data plays in informing important decisions at all levels of society and government.
Who was Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis?
Professor Mahalanobis, often called the “Father of Indian Statistics”, was born on June 29, 1893, in Kolkata (then Calcutta), West Bengal. Key points about his life and work include:
- Studied Physics and Mathematics at the University of Cambridge
- Developed a strong interest in statistics while in England
- Founded the Indian Statistical Institute in Kolkata on December 17, 1931
- Pioneered innovative statistical techniques with wide applications in economics
- Established the National Sample Survey for data collection
- Set up the Central Statistical Organisation in 1950
- Served as a member of the Planning Commission from 1955 to 1967
- Developed the mathematical model for India’s Second Five-Year Plan (1956-61)
- Chaired the United Nations Sub-Commission on Sampling from 1947 to 1951
- Appointed as honorary statistical adviser to the Indian government in 1949
- Awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honor, in 1968
Why is National Statistics Day Important?
This day is significant because it:
- Honors the contributions of Professor Mahalanobis to Indian statistics and economics
- Raises awareness about the importance of statistics in policy-making
- Encourages the use of data for informed decision-making
- Promotes statistical literacy among the general public
- Highlights the role of statistics in socio-economic development
History of National Statistics Day
- The Indian government established this day in 2007 during Dr. Manmohan Singh’s tenure as Prime Minister
- The first National Statistics Day was observed on June 29, 2007
- It has been celebrated annually ever since, with a different theme each year
Mahalanobis’ Contributions to Indian Planning
Professor Mahalanobis made significant contributions to India’s economic planning:
- Developed the Mahalanobis model, which formed the basis for India’s Second Five-Year Plan
- Advocated for heavy industrialization as a path to economic growth
- Emphasized the importance of data collection and analysis in policy formulation
The Importance of Statistics in Modern India
Statistics play a crucial role in various aspects of Indian society and governance:
- Informing policy decisions at national and state levels
- Guiding economic planning and development strategies
- Helping businesses make informed decisions
- Supporting research in various fields, from social sciences to natural sciences
- Enabling evidence-based approaches to solving social and economic problems
How is National Statistics Day Celebrated?
The day is marked by various activities across India:
- Seminars and workshops on statistical methods and applications
- Awards and recognitions for outstanding contributions to statistics
- Public lectures on the importance of data in decision-making
- Educational programs in schools and colleges
- Release of new statistical reports or data sets
National Statistics Day vs. World Statistics Day
It’s important to note the difference:
- National Statistics Day (India): June 29th
- World Statistics Day: October 20th (observed globally)