P.C. Mahalanobis

Source: IE

Context: The 19th National Statistics Day was celebrated on June 29, 2025, marking the 132nd birth anniversary of Prof. P.C. Mahalanobis, with the theme ‘75 Years of National Sample Survey’.

About 19th Statistics Day:

• Statistics Day is observed every year on June 29 to recognize the legacy of Prof. Mahalanobis, known as the Father of Indian Statistics.

• Theme (2025): 75 Years of National Sample Survey (NSS) Celebrates the evolution and contributions of the NSS since its inception in 1950.

• Celebrates the evolution and contributions of the NSS since its inception in 1950.

• Objective: Promote awareness among youth about the importance of statistics in national planning and governance. Highlight innovations in real-time data monitoring, survey integration, and digital dissemination.

• Promote awareness among youth about the importance of statistics in national planning and governance.

• Highlight innovations in real-time data monitoring, survey integration, and digital dissemination.

About P.C. Mahalanobis:

• Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis (1893–1972) was a pioneering Indian statistician, planner, and institution-builder.

• Key Contributions:

• Founder of Indian Statistical Institute (ISI): Established ISI Kolkata in 1931, advancing statistical education and research. Mahalanobis Distance (1936): A widely used multivariate statistical measure for identifying outliers and variation in data. Architect of National Sample Survey (1950): Designed India’s first household sample survey system, revolutionizing data-driven governance. His sampling techniques helped India become a global leader in official statistics. Planner of India’s Second Five-Year Plan: Advocated a heavy-industry-led economic model, known as the Mahalanobis model. Instrumental in shaping India’s planned economy. Flood Management Studies: Provided statistical solutions for Bengal and Odisha floods, which prevented ineffective infrastructure spending. Journal ‘Sankhya’ Founder: Established India’s first statistical journal to foster academic research in statistics.

• Founder of Indian Statistical Institute (ISI): Established ISI Kolkata in 1931, advancing statistical education and research.

• Mahalanobis Distance (1936): A widely used multivariate statistical measure for identifying outliers and variation in data.

• Architect of National Sample Survey (1950): Designed India’s first household sample survey system, revolutionizing data-driven governance. His sampling techniques helped India become a global leader in official statistics.

• Designed India’s first household sample survey system, revolutionizing data-driven governance.

• His sampling techniques helped India become a global leader in official statistics.

• Planner of India’s Second Five-Year Plan: Advocated a heavy-industry-led economic model, known as the Mahalanobis model. Instrumental in shaping India’s planned economy.

• Advocated a heavy-industry-led economic model, known as the Mahalanobis model.

• Instrumental in shaping India’s planned economy.

• Flood Management Studies: Provided statistical solutions for Bengal and Odisha floods, which prevented ineffective infrastructure spending.

• Journal ‘Sankhya’ Founder: Established India’s first statistical journal to foster academic research in statistics.