The Intellectual Contributions of Bhartiya Statisticians: A Comprehensive Literature Survey

Ankita Sharma (1), Anuj Kumar Sharma (2) and Jagvinder Singh (3)

1.Department of Mathematics, School of Basic Sciences, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, UP, India.
2 Department of Mathematics, Shyam Lal College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India.
3 Department of Operation Research, Faculty of Mathematical Science, University of Delhi, India.

Abstract:

This review attempts to portray the deep impact and contributions of Bhartiya (Indian) Statisticians on the world arena of statistical theory and practice in the applied areas of mathematics, economics, agriculture, medicine, and social sciences. This article traces the history of quantitative sciences from ancient to the present and focuses on the classical work of the Bhartiya statistician to underscore the long-standing tradition of quantitative science in Bharat. It also emphasizes the contributions of the leading Bhartiya statisticians such as Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, Calyampudi Radhakrishna Rao, Pandurang Vasudeo Sukhatme, V. S. Huzurbazar, Raj Chandra Bose, Debabrata Basu and Samarendra Nath Roy. Their pioneering contributions (including the Mahalanobis distance, the Cramér-Rao bound, design of experiments, etc) has had a monumental impact on the development of the statistical theory and methods of today. This article also discusses their effects on institutional growth, especially the creation of the India Statistical Institute (ISI), and the growth of statistics education and research in India. It also emphasises the pro-active role of Bhartiya statisticians in the international statistical organizations. This review ends by reflecting that Bhartiya statisticians have left behind a legacy with global footprint and expression, hoping that the future will stand on the shoulders of their past greats to bring even greater glory to our country and the world.  

Full Text:

The Intellectual Contributions of Bhartiya Statisticians: A Comprehensive Literature Survey

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