UIDAI launches Aadhaar mascot 'Udai' chosen through MyGov contests
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) launched 'Udai' (उदय), a mascot to simplify communication about Aadhaar services, at a function in Thiruvananthapuram on 8 January 2026; the design and name were chosen from 875 entries in national contests on MyGov.
Summary
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) launched its Aadhaar mascot 'Udai' (उदय) on 8 January 2026 as a resident-facing companion to explain services such as updates, authentication, offline verification and selective sharing. UIDAI Chairman Neelkanth Mishra unveiled the mascot and felicitated the winners at a function in Thiruvananthapuram. The mascot came out of national design and name competitions on MyGov that drew 875 entries: Arun Gokul of Thrissur, Kerala won the design contest and Riya Jain of Bhopal won the name contest.
Key facts
- Mascot
- Udai (उदय) — Aadhaar mascot
- Launched by
- UIDAI; unveiled by Chairman Neelkanth Mishra
- Venue, date
- Thiruvananthapuram, 8 January 2026
- Selection
- National design and name contests on MyGov — 875 entries
- Design winner
- Arun Gokul, Thrissur (Kerala)
- Name winner
- Riya Jain, Bhopal
Practice MCQs 3 questions
What is the name of the Aadhaar mascot launched by UIDAI in January 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Udai
PIB (MeitY): UIDAI launched the Aadhaar mascot named Udai (उदय).
In which city did UIDAI Chairman Neelkanth Mishra unveil the Aadhaar mascot 'Udai' on 8 January 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Thiruvananthapuram
PIB (MeitY): the mascot was unveiled at a UIDAI function in Thiruvananthapuram.
Consider the following statements about the Aadhaar mascot 'Udai': 1. It was selected through national design and name competitions on the MyGov platform. 2. The competitions received 875 entries. 3. The design competition was won by a participant from Bhopal. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB (MeitY): statements 1 and 2 are correct; the design contest was won by Arun Gokul of Thrissur, Kerala — Riya Jain of Bhopal won the name contest.