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National Statistics Day is celebrated on 29th June every year in India, to create public awareness among people about importance of statistics in daily life and in process of planning and development. It is celebrated on 29th June in acknowledgement of renowned statistician Prof. Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, in recognition for his invaluable contribution in the field of Statistics. Also 29th June is the birth anniversary of Prof. P C Mahalanobis.
He is the founder of the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI). The Government has been celebrating the Statistics Day, to popularize the use of Statistics in everyday life and sensitize the public as to how Statistics helps in shaping and framing policies. It has been designated as one of the special days to be celebrated at the national level. This day is organised by Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI). Whereas, World Statistics Day is celebrated on 20th October worldwide every five years. In this article, we will discuss about National Statistics in detail.
History of National Statistics Day
National Statistics Day was first celebrated on 29th june 2007 in commeration of the renowned statistician Prof. Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis. This particular date was chosen as it is his birth anniversary. The government of India planned to celebrates this day was to acknowledge the outstanding contributions made in the fields of economic planning and statistical development by Prof. P.C. Mahalanobis.
Theme of National Statistics Day
Every year, National Statistics Day is celebrated with a theme of current national importance, that runs for a year by conducting several workshops and seminars, aimed at bringing about improvements in the selected area. The theme of Statistics Day, 2019 was “Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”. The theme has been chosen for intensive and focused discussions towards filling the data gaps and improvement of timelines/quality in SDGs.
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How National Statistics Day 2022 is Celebrated?
The National Statistics Day is celebrated usually by holding seminars, discussions and competitions to highlights the importance of official statistics in national development based on a theme of national importance. The event is organized by Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation (MOSPI).
Due to the COVID-19 epidemic last year, the major event of the day was held at the NITI Aayog in New Delhi via Video Conferencing/ Webcasting.
Rao Inderjit Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) and Ministry of Planning, is the event’s, Chief Guest.
Prof. P.C Mahalanobis
- He was born on 29th June, 1893 in West Bengal. He was a scientist and applied statistician.
- Prof. P.C Mahalanobis is known as the father of Indian Statistics.
- He is Known for the Mahalanobis Distance, a statistical measure and Feldman–Mahalanobis model. Also his contribution to the design of large-scale sample surveys is huge.
- He made pioneering studies in anthropometry in India.
- Also he was a member of Planning Commission and he gave the Two-sector Input-output model for the Second Five Year Plan (1956-61) which became famous as Nehru-Mahalanobis model or Basic Industry strategy of economic growth.
- He was honored with both National and International awards like Padma Vibhushan (1968), Officer of the Order of the British Empire(1942), Fellow of the Royal Society, Weldon Memorial Prize many other fellowships.
- He founded the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI). Also on the occasion of his 125th birth anniversary on 29 June 2018, Indian Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu released a commemorative coin at a programme at ISI, Kolkata.
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National Statistics Day – Quiz
a). Who founded the Indian Statistical Institute?
Answer: Prof. Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis
b). Who is considered as the father of Indian Statistics?
Answer: Prof. P.C Mahalanobis
c). National Statistics Day is celebrated on _________?
Answer: 29th June
d). What are the two main branches of Statistics?
Answer: Descriptive Statistics and Inferential Statistics
e). World Statistics Day is celebrated on __________?
Answer: 20th October. It is celebrated every five years. The next World Statistics Day will be on 20th October, 2021.
f). In which year was Indian Statistical Institute established?
Answer: 17th December, 1931
g). The first National Statiscal Day was celebrated on _________?
Answer: 29th June, 2007
h). Who coined the term ‘statistics’?
Answer: Sir John Sinclair, 1791
i). Who is known as the father of modern statistics and experimental design?
Answer: Sir Ronald Fisher (1890-1962)
Having knowledge of International days and their importance will help you in preparing for your competitive exams. As most of the competitive exams include GK topics in their syllabus.
Important Links:
UN Public Service Day 2021 – Theme, History, Significance
Important Mountain Ranges in India – Names and Region
Top 10 Easiest Competitive Exams in India 2021
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