The Unique Identification Authority of India has introduced a resident-facing Aadhaar mascot named Udai to make communication on Aadhaar services simpler and more accessible. The mascot is intended to help citizens understand key features such as updates, authentication, offline verification, selective information sharing, technology upgrades, and responsible use of Aadhaar.
Purpose of the Mascot
Udai has been designed as a relatable communication companion for residents. It aims to improve public understanding of Aadhaar-related processes and reduce confusion around service usage. UIDAI has positioned the mascot as part of its wider effort to make Aadhaar communication more inclusive and citizen-friendly.
Selection Through Open Competition
The mascot and its name were chosen through open national competitions on the MyGov platform. UIDAI received 875 entries from students, professionals, and designers across India. A multi-tier evaluation process was used to finalise the winners in both the design and naming categories.
Winners and Event Details
Arun Gokul of Thrissur, Kerala won the first prize in the mascot design category. Idris Dawaiwala of Pune and Krishna Sharma of Ghazipur secured the second and third positions respectively. In the naming category, Riya Jain of Bhopal won first prize, followed by Idris Dawaiwala of Pune and Maharaj Saran Chellapilla of Hyderabad. The mascot was revealed in Thiruvananthapuram, where the winners were felicitated.
Significance for Aadhaar Communication
UIDAI said the launch reflects its focus on awareness, responsible adoption, and trust-building. The authority described Aadhaar as a public good and said the competition-based selection process reinforced citizen participation. The mascot is expected to act as a narrator and guide for residents seeking Aadhaar-related information.
Last Modified: April 25, 2026