The Rearview Podcast | PC Mahalanobis: India’s First Data Cruncher

This episode of The Rearview Podcast delves into the life and legacy of PC Mahalanobis, an eminent Indian statistician renowned for spearheading the statistical revolution in India. Mahalanobis founded the Indian Statistical Institute in 1931 and played a pivotal role in developing national policies based on statistical data, significantly influencing economic planning. His innovative methods in data collection and analysis laid the groundwork for modern statistics in the country. Mahalanobis was also instrumental in the establishment of the sample survey methodology, which transformed how data was utilized for policymaking. His work continues to have a profound impact on various fields, including economics, agriculture, and social sciences, making him a crucial figure in India's journey towards data-driven development. The episode highlights his contributions, the challenges he faced, and how his vision remains relevant in today's data-centric world, illustrating the importance of statistical literacy in governance and societal advancement.