Statistics Day (29 June) is celebrated to commemorate birth anniversary of Prof. P.C. Mahalanobis, architect of India's modern statistical system.
P.C. Mahalanobis (1893-1972)
Contributions:
- Founded the Indian Statistical Institute.
- Established National Sample Survey (1950) and set up Central Statistical Organisation.
- Shaped India’s second Five Year Plan (1956-61), also called the Mahalanobis Plan.
- It focused on development of public sector and rapid industrialisation.
- Gave Mahalanobis Distance, a statistical measure; work on prevention of floods.
Recognition:
- Received Padma Vibhushan.
- Mahalanobis International Award given to individuals for lifetime achievements in statistics in a developing country or region.
- Supported by Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
