UIDAI Launches ‘Udai’ Mascot to Simplify Aadhaar Communication

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has unveiled a resident-facing Aadhaar mascot named ‘Udai’ to strengthen public understanding and ease of access to Aadhaar-related services. The initiative is aimed at making Aadhaar communication simpler, more inclusive, and relatable for over a billion residents using the digital identity ecosystem.

Purpose and Role of the Aadhaar Mascot

According to UIDAI, Udai will function as a friendly communication companion to help citizens navigate various Aadhaar services. These include Aadhaar updates, authentication, offline verification, selective information sharing, technology upgrades, and responsible usage practices. The mascot is expected to improve awareness and trust by presenting complex technical concepts in a citizen-friendly manner.

National Competition and Selection Process

The mascot and its name were selected through open national-level competitions conducted on the MyGov platform. UIDAI received 875 entries from students, professionals, and designers across the country. A multi-tier evaluation process was followed to ensure transparency and merit-based selection. Arun Gokul from Thrissur, Kerala secured the first prize in the mascot design category, while Idris Dawaiwala of Pune and Krishna Sharma from Ghazipur won the second and third prizes respectively.

Naming of ‘Udai’ and Public Participation

In the mascot naming category, Riya Jain from Bhopal emerged as the first prize winner, followed by Idris Dawaiwala of Pune and Maharaj Saran Chellapilla of Hyderabad. The wide participation underscored Aadhaar’s identity as a public digital good and highlighted the importance of citizen engagement in governance initiatives.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• UIDAI is a statutory authority under the Aadhaar Act, 2016.
• Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identity number issued to Indian residents.
• MyGov is the Government of India’s citizen engagement platform.
• Offline Aadhaar verification allows data sharing without internet access.

Official Unveiling and Broader Outreach Goals

The mascot was unveiled by UIDAI Chairman Neelkanth Mishra at a function in Thiruvananthapuram, where the competition winners were felicitated. UIDAI CEO Bhuvnesh Kumar noted that participatory initiatives such as open competitions help build trust and acceptance among citizens. Deputy Director General Vivek C. Verma added that Udai will serve as a narrator and guide, reinforcing UIDAI’s broader efforts to promote responsible Aadhaar adoption and citizen-centric communication across India.