Prasanta Mahalanobis - A Lifestory

A great Indian scientist, born June 29, 1893, was a brilliant mind whose work went far beyond just numbers. He was a leader in figuring out how to use statistics, changing how India planned its economy and built its industries. His ideas had a huge effect, shaping the country's economic plans for many years. His love of learning led him to study physics in Calcutta, then to Cambridge University. Early in the 1900s, he became fascinated by statistics. He created the Mahalanobis distance, a very important tool used in many areas. This amazing work made him famous among scientists. Someone who worked with him said his understanding was unmatched; he saw order where others saw mess. His impact went beyond schools. He was key in starting the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) in 1931, a top place for studying and teaching statistics. He ran it for many years, shaping its classes and creating a great learning environment. His work helped shape India's FiveYear Plans, which aimed to improve the country's economy after independence. His story isn't just in books; it's part of modern India. His work is as important now as it was then. He died June 28, 1972, leaving a great legacy of smart thinking and a big effect on India's growth. Even though his work involved hard statistical ideas, his story shows the power of human cleverness and commitment to national progress.