Union Minister of State for Ports, Shripad Y. Naik, pays tribute to Padma Vibhushan Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, on his death anniversary. Mahalanobis, widely regarded as the Father of Modern Statistics in India, made profound contributions to the field of statistics, revolutionizing the way data is analyzed and interpreted.
The Father of Modern Statistics in India
Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis is renowned for his pioneering work in statistics and its application to various domains, including economics, social sciences, and planning. His groundbreaking ideas and methodologies have shaped the landscape of statistics in India and left a lasting impact on the global statistical community.
Early Life and Education
Born on June 29, 1893, in Calcutta (now Kolkata), Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis displayed exceptional academic prowess from a young age. He pursued his education at Presidency College, Calcutta, and later studied at the University of Cambridge, where he honed his mathematical and statistical skills.
Founding the Indian Statistical Institute
In 1931, Mahalanobis founded the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) in Calcutta, with the vision of establishing a premier institution dedicated to statistical research and education. ISI played a pivotal role in advancing statistical methodologies, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, and nurturing a new generation of statisticians.
Mahalanobis made significant contributions to statistical methods, particularly in the areas of sample surveys, multivariate analysis, and statistical inference. His innovative approach to data analysis provided a solid foundation for evidence-based decision-making and policy formulation.
Mahalanobis Distance: A Landmark Concept
One of Mahalanobis’s notable contributions is the concept of Mahalanobis Distance, a statistical measure that quantifies the similarity between data points in a multidimensional space. This concept has found extensive applications in various fields, including pattern recognition, cluster analysis, and data classification.
Mahalanobis strongly believed in the transformative power of statistics in driving national development. He played a key role in shaping India’s Five-Year Plans, employing statistical tools and models to assess economic progress, identify growth opportunities, and allocate resources effectively.
Legacy and Recognition
Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis’s legacy continues to inspire generations of statisticians and researchers. His remarkable contributions have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades, including the prestigious Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honor.
Union Minister Shripad Y. Naik’s Tribute
Union Minister of State for Ports, Shripad Y. Naik, acknowledges the invaluable contributions of Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis to the field of statistics and his immense impact on India’s scientific progress. This tribute serves as a reminder of Mahalanobis’s visionary thinking, pioneering spirit, and enduring legacy.
