National Statistics Day 2024: Know the date, theme, history, and significance

As India celebrates its statistician community on June 29, here is all you need to know about National Statistics Day, why it is celebrated, and its theme for 2024.

National Statistics Day 2924: Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis was known as “PCM” to colleagues (Express illustration: C R Sasikumar)

National Statistics Day 2024: Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis was known as “PCM” to colleagues (Express illustration: C R Sasikumar)

National Statistic Day 2024 Date, Theme, History: National Statistics Day is an annual event celebrated in India in June to commemorate the birth anniversary of the father of Indian statistics, Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis.

An Indian scientist and statistician, he was renowned for the Mahalanobis distance and statistical measure. He has made significant contributions to the field of statistics and economic planning in India.

Mahalanobis, one of the members of India’s first planning commission, played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) in 1931. He was awarded one of the highest civilian awards, the Padma Vibhushan from the Government of India for his contribution to science.

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Also read | Understanding the legacy of Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis

It’s, however, important to note that National Statistics Day should not be confused with World Statistics Day, a United Nations-designated observance celebrated every five years on October 20. As India celebrates its statistician community on this special day, here is all you need to know about National Statistics Day.

National Statistics Day 2024: Date and Theme

National Statistics Day in India is celebrated annually on June 29th to commemorate the birth anniversary of Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, the father of Modern Statistics in India. This year, in 2024, National Statistics Day will be observed on Saturday, June 29th, under the theme, “Use of data for decision making.“

National Statistics Day 2024: Origin and Significance

In 2007, the Government of India designated June 29th as National Statistics Day to honour Mahalanobis’ birth anniversary and recognise his extensive work in statistics and economic planning. The first National Statistics Day celebration took place in 2007 and has since become an annual event that highlights the crucial role of statistics in national development.

This day serves as a tribute to Mahalanobis’ achievements and contributions while encouraging the pursuit of excellence in the field of statistics. Additionally, the day also aims to raise public awareness, particularly among the youth, about the importance of statistics in strategic planning, economic development, and policy-making.