UIDAI Introduces ‘Udai’ Aadhaar Mascot to Simplify Citizen Communication and Services

UIDAI Unveils ‘Udai’, A Friendly Mascot to Simplify Aadhaar for a Billion Residents

In a significant step towards enhancing public engagement, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has introduced ‘Udai’, a resident-facing mascot. This initiative is designed to make communication around the Aadhaar digital identity ecosystem simpler, more inclusive, and relatable for the nation’s vast population.

Bridging the Communication Gap
The primary role of Udai is to act as a friendly and approachable communication companion. It aims to demystify Aadhaar-related services for citizens, guiding them through processes such as updating Aadhaar details, using authentication and offline verification (Aadhaar Paperless e-KYC), sharing information selectively, and understanding technology upgrades. By translating complex technical concepts into citizen-friendly messaging, UIDAI hopes to boost awareness, responsible usage, and overall trust in the system.

A Citizen-Driven Creation
The mascot’s design and name are the result of open, national-level competitions hosted on the MyGov platform, the Government of India’s citizen engagement portal. Reflecting widespread public interest, UIDAI received a total of 875 entries from students, professionals, and designers across India. A transparent, multi-tier evaluation process ensured merit-based selection.

In the mascot design category, Arun Gokul from Thrissur, Kerala, won the first prize. Idris Dawaiwala of Pune and Krishna Sharma from Ghazipur secured the second and third prizes, respectively. For the naming contest, Riya Jain from Bhopal emerged as the winner, with Idris Dawaiwala and Maharaj Saran Chellapilla of Hyderabad as runners-up. This participatory approach highlights Aadhaar’s identity as a public digital good and underscores the value of citizen involvement in governance.

Official Launch and Strategic Vision
Udai was officially unveiled by UIDAI Chairman, Neelkanth Mishra, at a ceremony in Thiruvananthapuram, where the competition winners were honoured. UIDAI CEO, Bhuvnesh Kumar, emphasized that such participatory initiatives are crucial for building public trust and acceptance. Deputy Director General, Vivek C. Verma, outlined the mascot’s future role as a narrator and guide, reinforcing UIDAI’s ongoing commitment to citizen-centric communication and responsible Aadhaar adoption across the country.

Key Facts for Competitive Examinations

• UIDAI:  A statutory authority established under the  Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016 .

• Aadhaar:  A  12-digit unique identity number  issued to Indian residents based on biometric and demographic data.

• MyGov:  The  Government of India’s citizen engagement platform  that facilitates interaction between the public and government departments.

• Offline Aadhaar Verification:  A secure method for sharing identity information  without requiring internet access , enhancing privacy and accessibility.