The inaugural session began with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony. Shri P. R. Meshram, Director General (Data Governance), MoSPI, welcomed participants, highlighting NSSTA’s role in training officers for evidence-based policymaking. He emphasized the relevance of advanced statistical techniques such as small area estimation and the transformative potential of big data and artificial intelligence.
Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary, MoSPI, in his keynote address, lauded ISEC’s 75-year legacy of international statistical education. He highlighted India’s LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) initiative as an example of data-driven policymaking and emphasized the importance of high-quality, balanced data for addressing global challenges like climate change. He also pointed to India’s leadership in advancing global statistical cooperation under its G20 presidency.
Global Knowledge Sharing and International Cooperation
Shri Viraj Singh, Additional Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, discussed the ITEC programme’s role in equipping professionals from developing nations with advanced statistical skills. He noted that India emphasizes knowledge sharing rather than purely financial aid, fostering sustainable international partnerships enriched by India’s diverse culture.
Prof. Sanghamitra Bandyopadhyay, Director, ISI Kolkata, reflected on the pioneering vision of Prof. P. C. Mahalanobis in establishing ISEC. She stressed that India should aim to be a Vishwaguru by sharing statistical expertise globally. Prof. Bandyopadhyay highlighted the dual challenge of managing both data abundance and scarcity in critical sectors, and emphasized the role of statistics and data science in monitoring and planning national development.
Commemorative Initiatives and Sustainability Focus
Dignitaries released a commemorative volume celebrating ISEC’s Platinum Jubilee, showcasing its contributions to global capacity building in official statistics over 75 years. The inaugural session also featured a group photograph, a plantation drive symbolizing sustainability, and the inauguration of NSSTA’s newly renovated hostel mess facility.
Workshop Objectives and Future Directions
The workshop aims to address data needs for sustainable development, covering areas such as health, demography, employment, education, gender equality, poverty, inequality, and financial inclusion. Sessions will explore advanced methodologies including multilevel modeling, integration of big data, and the use of social media datasets. Key highlights include a keynote by Prof. Dominik Rozkrut, President, International Association of Official Statistics, and panel discussions chaired by former Chief Statisticians of India.
As India moves toward the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, integrating high-quality data, innovative methodologies, and international partnerships will be essential for evidence-based and inclusive development planning.