National Statistics Day 2025

India celebrates National Statistics Day every year on 29 June. This marks the 19th time the day is observed to honour Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, a pioneer in Indian statistics. Born in 1893, he is known as the Father of Indian Statistics for his groundbreaking contributions to national planning and the use of data in development. He played a major role in using data and planning to support India’s development.

National Statistics Day 2025

National Statistics Day 2025 is celebrated on 29 June to honour the birth anniversary of Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, known as the Father of Indian Statistics. The 2025 observance marks the 19th year of celebrating his contributions to India’s statistical systems and development planning. The day also aims to raise awareness, especially among students and young professionals, about the importance of statistics in shaping policies and addressing real-world challenges in areas such as health, education, and the environment.

Father of the Indian budget

Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis was born on 29 June 1893. He was a brilliant scientist who changed the way India uses numbers and data to make smart plans for its future. Because of his great work in planning India’s economy, many people call him the “Father of the Indian Budget.”

What Did He Do?

Mahalanobis believed that data and numbers could help solve real problems. He introduced new methods to study people, the economy, and different parts of the country. Some of his biggest contributions include:

• Starting the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) to train students in statistics
• Helping create India’s Five-Year Plans, which guide how money and resources are used
• Starting the National Sample Survey (NSS) to collect useful data from across the country
• Creating the P.C. Mahalanobis Distance, a mathematical formula still used in data science today

Why is he Important?

Before P.C. Mahalanobis, India didn’t use numbers and surveys much in decision-making. His work showed how data could help in planning better schools, hospitals, jobs, and industries. Thanks to his ideas, the Indian government began using statistics to make fair and smart choices for people across the country.

Honours and Recognition

• Padma Vibhushan (1968): Given by the Government of India for his valuable contributions to science and national service.
• National Statistics Day (established in 2006): Celebrated every year on 29 June, his birthday, to honour his legacy in statistics.
• Weldon Medal (1944): Presented by the University of Oxford for his contributions to statistics and biology.
• Honorary Statistical Adviser to the Government of India (1949): Appointed to guide national data use and planning.
• President, Indian Science Congress (1950): Headed one of India’s top scientific bodies.
• Commemorative Coin: Released on his 125th birth anniversary in recognition of his contributions.

Theme of National Statistics Day 2025

The theme for National Statistics Day 2025 was “75 years of National Sample Survey”, showcasing the impact of NSSO in India’s growth. In past years, themes have addressed topics such as inclusive growth, data-driven decision-making, and the role of statistics in sustainable development. The theme helps guide events and encourages discussions on how data can solve real-world problems such as climate change and health care.

History of National Statistics Day 2025

National Statistics Day is celebrated every year on 29 June to honour the birth anniversary of Professor P.C. Mahalanobis, a pioneer in Indian statistics. His work helped India use data and surveys to plan for development, making him a key figure in shaping the country’s future.

Key Moments in History:

• 1893: P.C. Mahalanobis was born on 29 June in Kolkata. He later became one of India’s most respected scientists in the field of statistics.
• 1931: He founded the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), which became a leading center for research and training in statistics.
• 1940s–1950s: He introduced new methods for data collection and helped design India’s Second Five-Year Plan, focusing on industrial growth.
• 2007: The Government of India officially declared 29 June as National Statistics Day to honour his legacy and promote awareness about the importance of statistics.
• Since 2007: The day has been observed every year with events such as seminars, quizzes, exhibitions, and lectures to help people especially students understand how statistics help in decision making and national development.

Significance of National Statistics Day 2025

• National Statistics Day honours P.C. Mahalanobis, who helped India use data for planning and development.
• The observance helps people, especially students, understand how statistics support smart decision-making.
• The day encourages young minds to explore the world of data, numbers, and their role in shaping the nation.
• It highlights the importance of data in areas such as education, healthcare, the economy, and public services.
• National Statistics Day is a time to celebrate and appreciate the value of statistics in everyday life.