In a landmark step towards making Aadhaar communication more simple, inclusive, and people-friendly, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has officially launched the Aadhaar mascot “Udai (उदय)”. Designed as a resident-facing communication companion, Udai aims to simplify public understanding of Aadhaar services and make interactions with the Aadhaar ecosystem more relatable for citizens across the country.
The launch of the Aadhaar mascot reflects UIDAI’s continued focus on citizen-centric governance, ensuring that complex digital identity concepts are explained in an accessible and engaging manner for people of all age groups and backgrounds.
Purpose and Role of Aadhaar Mascot Udai (उदय)
The Aadhaar mascot Udai (उदय) has been conceptualized to act as a friendly guide that helps residents understand Aadhaar-related processes and services. It will play a key role in communicating information related to:
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Aadhaar updates and corrections
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Authentication and verification
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Offline Aadhaar verification
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Selective sharing of Aadhaar data
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Adoption of new Aadhaar technologies
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Responsible and secure usage of Aadhaar
By humanising Aadhaar communication, Udai will help reduce confusion, build trust, and strengthen awareness about safe and correct use of Aadhaar services.
Public Participation Through MyGov Platform
To bring the mascot to life, UIDAI adopted an open, transparent, and participative approach by launching national design and naming competitions on the MyGov platform. The initiative witnessed an overwhelming response from across India.
A total of 875 entries were received from students, designers, professionals, and creative citizens, each reflecting their unique interpretation of Aadhaar as a national digital identity. A multi-tier evaluation process ensured fairness, creativity, and institutional rigour in selecting the final mascot and name.
Winners of the Aadhaar Mascot Competitions
The mascot design competition was won by Arun Gokul from Thrissur, Kerala, who secured the first prize. The second and third prizes were awarded to Idris Dawaiwala from Pune, Maharashtra, and Krishna Sharma from Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, respectively.
In the mascot name competition, Riya Jain from Bhopal emerged as the first prize winner. The second and third positions were secured by Idris Dawaiwala from Pune and Maharaj Saran Chellapilla from Hyderabad, respectively. The winning name “Udai (उदय)” symbolises progress, trust, and empowerment.
Official Launch and Key Statements
The Aadhaar mascot was officially unveiled by Neelkanth Mishra, Chairman, UIDAI, at a UIDAI function held in Thiruvananthapuram. Felicitating the winners, he stated that the mascot marks another important step in making Aadhaar communication simpler, more inclusive, and more relatable for India’s population.
Bhuvnesh Kumar, CEO, UIDAI, highlighted that inviting citizens to participate in designing and naming the mascot reaffirmed a fundamental principle of Aadhaar—public participation builds trust and acceptance. He noted that the strong public response demonstrates how deeply Aadhaar is viewed as a public good.
Vivek C Verma, Deputy Director General, UIDAI, added that as Udai begins its journey as a companion and narrator, it will help residents connect with Aadhaar-related information with ease and confidence.
The launch of the Aadhaar mascot Udai (उदय) represents a meaningful evolution in how Aadhaar communicates with citizens. Rooted in public participation and designed with inclusivity in mind, Udai will serve as a trusted guide in India’s digital identity ecosystem. This initiative reinforces UIDAI’s commitment to transparency, accessibility, and citizen empowerment in the digital age.
