National Statistics Day: Date, Theme, History, Importance, And Significance

Every year on June 29, India celebrates National Statistics Day to commemorate the birth anniversary of Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, an eminent statistician and the founder of the Indian Statistical Institute. This day holds significant importance as it recognizes the role of statistics in shaping policies, understanding societal trends, and fostering development.

National Statistics Day Date

National Statistics Day is celebrated every year on June 29 to recognise the contributions of Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, the father of Modern Statistics in India.

National Statistics Day 2024 Theme

The theme for National Statistics Day 2024 is ‘Use of Data for Decision Making’. Each year, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation announces a theme for National Statistics Day that emphasises an important aspect of the science of statistics.

National Statistics Day History and Significance

National Statistics Day was first observed in 2007, following a declaration by the Government of India to honour Mahalanobis' contributions to the field of statistics. Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, born on June 29, 1893, was not only a statistician but also a renowned scientist and planner who played a crucial role in the planning process of independent India. He founded the Indian Statistical Institute in 1931, which became a pivotal institution for statistical research and training in the country.

According to the Kerala State Economics And Statistics Department, it states that, “The first National Statistics Day was commemorated in 2007. Following that event, a proclamation was released in the Indian Gazette on June 5, 2007. Since then, seminars, conferences, discussions, and contests have been conducted on this day to raise awareness of the role of official statistics in nationwide progress."

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Mahalanobis' most notable contribution was the development of the Mahalanobis Distance, a statistical measure used in various fields including economics, biology, and healthcare. His work laid the foundation for robust statistical methodologies that continue to influence research and policymaking globally. National Statistics Day in India is celebrated annually on June 29 with seminars, programs, and campaigns held nationwide.

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Importance of Statistics

Statistics play a crucial role in modern society by providing quantitative insights into various aspects of life, including economics, healthcare,education, and the environment. Here are a few key reasons why statistics are important:

1. Policy Formulation: Governments and organisations use statistical data to formulate policies and make informed decisions. Data on economic growth, unemployment rates, and demographics, for example, help policymakers understand trends and plan interventions effectively.

2. Research and Development: In fields such as medicine, agriculture, and technology, statistical analysis is essential for conducting experiments, analysing results, and drawing conclusions. Statistical methods ensure that findings are reliable and reproducible.

3. Monitoring and Evaluation: Statistics enable the monitoring of progress towards goals and the evaluation of the impact of interventions. Programs aimed at poverty alleviation, healthcare improvement, and education reform rely on statistical indicators to assess their effectiveness.

4. Business and Industry: Businesses use statistics for market research, forecasting sales, and optimising operations. Statistical techniques such as regression analysis and data mining help identify patterns and trends that influence business strategies.

5. Public Awareness: Statistics help raise awareness about societal issues by quantifying phenomena such as poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation. Data-driven advocacy promotes public discourse and supports initiatives for social change.

National Statistics Day serves as a reminder of the valuable role statistics play in shaping our understanding of the world and driving progress.

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