National Statistics Day 2024- History, Theme, and Significance

Every year India celebrates National Statistics Day on June 23 to commemorate the birth anniversary of the scientist and the statistician P.C Mahalanobis. The day honours and celebrates the contributions made by Indian statisticians. Moreover, the goal of celebrating this day is to popularize statistics as a field of study. Several seminars, campaigns, and programs are conducted on 29th June for this purpose. Keep reading to know more about the Statistics Day theme, and how it is celebrated.

Name of the day	National Statistics Day
Observed on	June 23
Reason	To celebrate the birth anniversary of Indian statistician P.C. Mahalanobis.

History of the National Statistics Day

• The National Statistics Day was first celebrated in 2007.
• It was followed by the proclamation by the Indian Gazette on 5th June 2007.
• The government has chosen the birthday of P.C Mahalanobis as the day to celebrate. Since then, conferences, seminars, discussions, and contests have been held to raise awareness about the application of statistics.
• This day aims to recognize the work of PC Mahalanobis in economic planning and to pay tribute to him.

Relevant Read: What is the Difference Between Mathematics and Statistics?

About P.C. Mahalanobis

• P.C Mahalanobis is a Notable Statistician and scientist from Kolkata.
• He is popularly known for introducing the revolutionary concept of Mahalanobis distance.
• P.C Mahalanobis played a crucial role in the development of the Indian industrialization plan.
• Moreover, he has made contributions to the second 5-year plan as well.
• The Indian Statistical Institute was also established by P.C Mahalanobis in 1931.

What is the Theme of National Statistics Day in 2024? 

Official sources have not released the theme of National Statistics Day for 2024 yet. We will update it as soon as it is available. Going back to the last few years, the theme of 2022 was ‘Data for Sustainable Development’.

Also Read: World Environment Day: Theme, History, Importance

Significance of National Statistics Day

• National Statistics Day is significant because it inspires the youth to learn statistics.
• Moreover, it also inspires students to apply their knowledge of statistics in different matters in daily life.
• It is also important as it pays tribute to the famous statistician Prof. P.C Mahalanobis.
• Additionally, the day also encourages individuals to learn statistics that can be used to assist in outlining the policies of the country.
• It recognizes the invaluable contributions of Indian statisticians.

National Statistics Day (India) Vs World Statistics Day.

The Statistics Day is celebrated on different days around the world. National Statistics Day and World Statistics Day are different. The United Nations Statistical Commission has organized the World Statistical Day.

World Statistics Day	National Statistics Day (India)
Celebrated on 20th October every 5 years	Celebrated on June 29th every year
Celebrated on an international level	Celebrated on a national level
Recognises the importance of statistics	Marks the birth anniversary of the Indian statistician, P. C Mahalanobis

Also Read: National Mathematics Day: History, Theme, Significance

Why is National Statistics Day Celebrated?

During the post-independence era, P.C Mahalanobis made important contributions to the economic planning of India to assist the country in achieving its sustainable economic goals. Therefore National Statistics Day is celebrated to recognise the achievements made by P.C Mahalanobis. Additionally, the day is celebrated to create awareness among the people about the importance of statistics. Hence, World Statistics Day is celebrated every year in India.

How is National Statistics Day Celebrated?

National Statistics Day is celebrated every year to pay tribute to P.C Mahalanobis. Hence, several annual events are held, and a theme is announced. During COVID, it was celebrated in the following way:

• Due to the pandemic, virtual celebrations of the day were held.
• Consequently, a video conference was broadcast from Niti Aayog in Delhi. 
• The chief guest of the virtual event was Rao Inderjit Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
• Additionally, announcements were made regarding the winners of the Prof. C.R. Rao National Award for young statisticians, and the winners of the Prof. P.C. Mahalanobis national award.

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