The Government of India has been commemorating the birth anniversary of the late Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis as “Statistics Day” every year since 2007, in honor of his significant contributions to the fields of statistics and economic planning. This year, the main event of Statistics Day 2023 took place at the Scope Convention Centre in New Delhi, where esteemed guests and participants gathered to commemorate Professor Mahalanobis’s legacy and discuss the importance of statistics in shaping India’s development.
Celebrating Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis
The Notable Contributions
Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, an eminent statistician, and economist, played a pivotal role in shaping statistical methodologies and economic planning in India. His pioneering work laid the foundation for statistical research and application, making substantial contributions to fields such as sampling theory, national income accounting, and the planning process. By combining statistical insights with policy-making, Professor Mahalanobis helped India in its journey toward economic growth and development.
Statistics Day: An Annual Celebration
To honor Professor Mahalanobis’s legacy and recognize his profound impact on the field of statistics, the Government of India established Statistics Day. Since 2007, June 29th has been celebrated as Statistics Day every year, serving as a reminder of the crucial role statistics plays in policy formulation, decision-making, and socio-economic development.
Statistics Day 2023: The Main Event
Venue and Dignitaries
The primary event of Statistics Day 2023 took place at the esteemed Scope Convention Centre, situated within the renowned Scope Complex on Lodhi Road in New Delhi. The event witnessed the presence of distinguished personalities, including Rao Inderjit Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Ministry of Planning, and Minister of State of Ministry of Corporate Affairs, who inaugurated the event and delivered a keynote address. Prof. Rajeeva Laxman Karandikar, Chairman of the National Statistical Commission, and Dr. G. P. Samanta, Chief Statistician of India & Secretary of MoSPI, also addressed the participants.
Participants and Live Streaming
The event was attended by senior officers from MoSPI, representatives from various central line ministries/departments, state/union territory governments, and UN organizations. In addition, the event was live-streamed on the Ministry’s social media handles, ensuring wider access and participation.
On the Spot Essay Writing Competition
As part of the celebrations, the winners of the ‘On the Spot Essay Writing Competition, 2023’ were felicitated during the event. This competition provides a platform for participants to showcase their understanding and interpretation of statistical concepts and their relevance in contemporary society.
Insights and Discussions on Statistics Day 2023
Presentation on the Theme
Dr. Ashutosh Ojha, Deputy Director General of MoSPI, delivered a brief presentation on the theme of Statistics Day 2023. The presentation aimed to shed light on the importance of statistics in addressing contemporary challenges and promoting evidence-based decision-making.
Keynote Addresses
UN Resident Coordinator for India, Mr. Shombi Sharp, Dr. Yogesh Suri, Senior Adviser at NITI Aayog, and Mr. Rajesh Gupta, Director at NITI Aayog, delivered keynote addresses focusing on the theme of Statistics Day 2023. Their insights and perspectives contributed to the broader understanding of how statistics can drive sustainable development and guide policy interventions.
Sustainable Development Goals-National Indicator Framework Report
During the event, the Government unveiled the Progress Report for 2023 on the Sustainable Development Goals-National Indicator Framework (SDG-NIF). This comprehensive report highlights the progress made in achieving the SDGs and provides valuable insights into India’s sustainable development journey. Additionally, Data Snapshots and the SDG-NIF for 2023 were also released, enabling stakeholders to access and analyze goal-wise data for informed decision-making.
