Shillong, June 30: The National Sample Survey Office (Field Operations Division), Regional office Shillong, along with the rest of the country, celebrated National Statistics Day in collaboration with St Anthony’s College, Shillong at the college auditorium today.
Delivering his speech, as the chief guest of the function, Prof S.K. Jha, HOD, Department of Statistics, North Eastern Hill University highlighted the main objective of celebrating National Statistics day which is to popularise and make people aware of the importance of Statistics.
He stated that data is entropic in nature, in its raw form. By arranging the data in some organised form, we get a database which makes it easier to summarise and filter, he added. He presented some examples of data collections and analysis and the importance of the data in making informed decisions.
Delivering his inaugural address, Fr (Dr). Arcadius Puwein, Principal, St, Anthony’s College stressed the importance of data and appreciated the role played by NSSO in collecting the data. He also highlighted on the invaluable contribution of Prof. P,C, Mahalanobis and its impact on how data is collected in large scale surveys conducted.
In his keynote address, Shri N. Mohondas Singh, Director and Regional Head, NSSO (FOD) Regional Office Shillong briefed about the life of Prof. P.C. Mahalanobis.
He highlighted the importance of data in decision making. He informed that the decision made based on hard evidence rather than assumptions, reduces risks and bias. He further mentioned that data driven decision making fosters a culture of accountability and transparency.
The function was also attended by Shri R Sumer, Deputy Director, DES Meghalaya, Smt M Nongrum, Deputy Director, NSSO (FOD) RO Shillong, Shri Prabhata Das, Asst Director, RO Shillong and Smt A. Lyngwa, Asst Director, RO Shillong.
The presentation on the theme of the Statistics Day 2024 was also presented by Professor Dr. Strong P Marbaniang, St Anthonys College and Prof D. M Syiem, Shillong College.
Both had mentioned about the importance of data in good decision making. As part of the programme, a Quiz competition was also organised. The students from the different colleges of Shillong had participated in the Quiz programme.
Prof. P.C. Mahalanobis (1893-1972) is widely accredited to be the “Father of the Indian Statistical System”. His pioneering work in this field has contributed greatly to our nation for planning, development and several other fields and in honour of the birth anniversary of this great statistician, Visionary and Planner, Government of India declared the 29th June to be celebrated as “National Statistics Day” every year in coincidence with his Birth Anniversary.
The major objective of celebrating Statistics Day is creation of public awareness, especially among the young generation, on the role and importance of statistics in socio-economic planning and policy formulation for development of a country.
