Kolkata, June 29, 2025

 

The Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), Kolkata, commemorated the 132nd birth anniversary of Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis today, observed nationally as Statistics Day and also marked at the Institute as Workers’ Day. The event's central theme—75 Years of the National Sample Survey—honoured one of the visionary contributions of the ISI founder.

 

The ceremony began with the garlanding of Prof. Mahalanobis’s bust and a tree-planting event at the Amrapali Lawn. Dr. Soumyanetra Munshi, member of the Reception Committee, welcomed the audience and invited dignitaries to light the ceremonial lamp.

 

Dr. Paramita Das, Convener of the Reception Committee, reflected on the profound originality of Prof. Mahalanobis’s work, quoting statistician Prof. Ronald Fisher who lauded his pioneering approach. She noted the initial institutional resistance statistics faced as a distinct discipline, and the support Mahalanobis received from his maternal uncle, Dr. Nilratan Sarkar. Citing Planning Democracy by Nikhil Menon, she emphasized Mahalanobis’s national importance and expressed concern over ISI’s current infrastructure challenges.

 

Prof. Sanghamitra Bandyopadhyay, Director of ISI, underlined the need to celebrate institutional success while also engaging in honest introspection. She noted the global relevance of ISI's work in data science, a discipline that the institute has fostered since its inception, though often more recognized abroad than at home.

 

Dean of Studies, Dr. Biswabrata Pradhan, highlighted the pressing issue of inadequate infrastructure, attributing it to funding constraints. He proposed expanding ISI’s international collaborations through postdoctoral fellowships and foreign faculty appointments to strengthen its global footprint.

 

Special Guest Prof. Manoranjan Pal, former faculty member, shared personal memories of working under Prof. Mahalanobis, recalling the founder’s visionary leadership and the privilege of being mentored by him. He also offered a brief account of Mahalanobis’s life and legacy.

 

Chief Guest Prof. Shrikrishna Gopalrao Dani of the Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences praised the Institute’s candid acknowledgment of its shortcomings, calling it a rare and admirable quality. Drawing a parallel between Prof. Mahalanobis and Vishwakarma, he commended the founder’s far-reaching contributions to science and nation-building.

 

The event concluded with Rabindrasangeet performances by ISI club members and the singing of the national anthem. All speakers unanimously emphasized the importance of preserving the spirit of Professor Mahalanobis, upholding harmony in diversity, and striving towards excellence in public service and statistical research.

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RS/29.06.2025

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