C. R. Rao

Prof. Calyampudi Radhakrishna Rao, born on September 10, 1920, was a distinguished Indian-American mathematician and statistician whose contributions have left an indelible mark on various fields. He served as professor emeritus at Pennsylvania State University and held the position of research professor at the University at Buffalo. Rao's academic journey was characterized by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and excellence, earning him recognition as a leading figure in statistics.

Throughout his illustrious career, Rao was the recipient of numerous accolades, including the prestigious US National Medal of Science in two thousand two. His work transcended the boundaries of statistics, influencing disciplines such as economics, genetics, anthropology, geology, national planning, demography, biometry, and medicine. The American Statistical Association hailed him as 'a living legend,' underscoring the profound impact of his research.

In two thousand twenty-three, Rao was honored with the International Prize in Statistics, an accolade often regarded as the 'statistics' equivalent of the Nobel Prize.' His commitment to advancing statistical knowledge extended beyond academia; he also served as a Senior Policy and Statistics advisor for the Indian Heart Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about cardiovascular disease in South Asian communities.

Rao's legacy is further cemented by his recognition as one of the top ten Indian scientists of all time, as listed by The Times of India. His life and work continue to inspire future generations of statisticians and researchers around the globe.