Congressman Krishnamoorthi Honors Dr. C.R. Rao’s Remarkable Contributions to Statistics with Congressional Record Entry

HI INDIA NEWS DESK

WASHINGTON ,DC- Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi recognized Dr. C.R. Rao’s remarkable achievement of winning the International Prize in Statistics, often referred to as the Nobel Prize of statistics. Dr. Rao, now 102 years old, has authored over 400 published research papers and books, taught at several universities worldwide, and founded the Advanced Institute of Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science at the University of Hyderabad. He has also received the National Medal of Science from President George W. Bush and the Padma Vibhushan from Indian President K.R. Narayanan.

Dr. Rao’s seminal 1945 work, “Information and the Accuracy Attainable in the Estimation of Statistical Parameters,” was recognized by the 2023 International Prize in Statistics for its fundamental contribution to the field. His research has influenced various disciplines, including medicine, computer science, genetics, and social sciences. Beyond his groundbreaking contributions, Dr. Rao has supported and educated numerous aspiring mathematicians and scientists.

Born in the southern Indian state of present-day Karnataka, Dr. Rao displayed exceptional mathematical abilities from a young age. He earned a master’s degree in mathematics from Andhra University at the age of 19. Throughout his career, he held positions at institutions such as the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) in Kolkata, King’s College at the University of Cambridge, University of Illinois – Urbana, University of Buffalo, University of Pittsburgh, and Pennsylvania State University. With over 400 research papers and 14 authored books, Dr. Rao has become one of the most prominent statisticians globally. In addition to the International Prize in Statistics, he has been honored with the National Medal of Science and the Padma Vibhushan.

Dr. Rao’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of statisticians and mathematicians has been unwavering. After completing his Ph.D. at Cambridge University under the guidance of renowned statistician Sir Ronald Fisher, Dr. Rao returned to ISI to contribute to the development of statistics in independent India. Over 40 years at ISI, he fostered a vibrant community of scholars, inspiring colleagues worldwide with his ability to spot talent and motivate young scholars in various fields of mathematics, biology, genetics, economics, and social sciences.

At the age of 60, Dr. Rao relocated to the United States, where he helped establish a research center at the University of Pittsburgh while continuing his scholarly pursuits. Despite his move, he maintained his dedication to Indian scholarship and founded the C.R. Rao Advanced Institute of Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science at the University of Hyderabad. His aim was to ensure that aspiring statisticians and mathematicians in India could receive a world-class education. Dr. Rao has advised over 50 Ph.D. candidates and many of his former students have gone on to prominent roles in academia and government.

Throughout his remarkable career, Dr. Rao remained a devoted husband and father. He was married to C. Bhargavi for 69 years until her passing in 2017, providing him with constant support. Today, Dr. Rao resides in Amherst, NY, living with his daughter. With her assistance, he remains actively involved in the research community.

Congressman Krishnamoorthi extends his heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Rao for receiving the prestigious International Prize in Statistics. His dedication to advancing mathematics is unparalleled, both in his own work and through the countless former students who carry on his legacy.