In recognition of the notable contributions made by Late Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis in the fields of statistics, statistical system and economic planning, Government of India in 2007, designated 29thJune the birth anniversary of Prof. Mahalanobis as the “Statistics Day” in the category of Special Days to be celebrated every year at the National level.
The objective of celebration of this Day is to create public awareness about the importance of statistics in socio-economic planning and policy formulation, to acknowledge the contribution of Prof. Mahalanobis and to pay homage to him.
Every year, one particular theme of current national importance is selected for focused discussions and efforts made throughout the year aimed at bringing about improvements in the selected area.
‘Administrative Statistics’ is this year’s theme for the Statistics Day.
The Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) was set up by Prof. Mahalanobis in 1931 in Kolkata. The Institute was declared an “Institute of National Importance” and made an autonomous body of Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation, through an act of Parliament in 1959.
ISI celebrates 29th June as the “Workers Day”.
This year, Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation and ISI had a joint event on 29th June in Kolkata to celebrate the birth anniversary of Prof. Mahalanobis.