### National Statistics Day 2024: Who Is The Father Of Indian Statistics? Know History, Significance, and Theme of This Day
**Date:**
National Statistics Day is celebrated annually on June 29th. In 2024, it will be observed on Saturday, June 29th.
**Father of Indian Statistics:**
The title "Father of Indian Statistics" is attributed to Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis. Born on June 29, 1893, Mahalanobis was a pioneering Indian statistician who made significant contributions to the field of statistics and its application in various domains, particularly in socio-economic planning.
**History:**
- **Birth Anniversary:** National Statistics Day was instituted by the Government of India in 2007 to mark the birth anniversary of Professor P.C. Mahalanobis.
- **P.C. Mahalanobis' Contributions:** He founded the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) in 1931, which became a premier institution for research and training in statistics. He is best known for developing the Mahalanobis distance, a measure used in multivariate analysis, and for his role in the design and analysis of large-scale sample surveys.
- **Economic Planning:** Mahalanobis significantly influenced India's Second Five-Year Plan, emphasizing the importance of industrialization and the use of statistical methods in economic planning.
**Significance:**
- **Tribute to P.C. Mahalanobis:** The day honors Mahalanobis' monumental contributions to the field of statistics and recognizes his role in shaping modern statistical practices in India.
- **Raising Awareness:** It aims to raise awareness about the importance of statistics in various sectors, including economics, health, agriculture, and social development.
- **Promoting Statistical Literacy:** The observance encourages statistical literacy among the public and emphasizes the need for skilled statisticians.
- **Informed Decision-Making:** Highlights the critical role of statistics in informed policy-making and effective governance.
- **Research and Development:** Underlines the importance of statistical research and its impact on scientific discoveries and technological advancements.
**Theme:**
Each year, National Statistics Day is observed with a specific theme to highlight a particular aspect of statistical application. While the theme for 2024 has not been officially announced, themes in previous years have focused on areas such as "Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)," "Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare," and "Social Development," reflecting current national priorities.
**Possible Themes for 2024:**
- **Digital Transformation in Statistics:** Emphasizing the role of digital tools and technologies in data collection, analysis, and dissemination.
- **Health and Well-being:** Focusing on the importance of statistical data in improving public health policies and outcomes.
- **Climate Change and Environment:** Highlighting the use of statistics in addressing climate change and promoting environmental sustainability.
**Conclusion:**
National Statistics Day 2024 serves as a reminder of the essential role of statistics in various aspects of society, from economic planning to social development. It honors the legacy of Professor P.C. Mahalanobis, the Father of Indian Statistics, and encourages the use of statistical data in informed decision-making. By promoting statistical literacy and recognizing the contributions of statisticians, the observance aims to enhance the application and impact of statistics in building a better future.
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