Overview The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) launched a new mascot named Udai on January 8, 2026 . This initiative aims to simplify communication and enhance public understanding of Aadhaar services. The mascot was selected through a national design and name competition held on the MyGov platform, reflecting a participatory approach to governance. Key Developments Launch Date: January 8, 2026 Mascot Name: Udai Selection Process: National design and name competition on MyGov Objective: To simplify public understanding of Aadhaar services Significance of the Mascot The mascot, Udai , is expected to play a crucial role in simplifying communication related to various Aadhaar services. These include: Updates and modifications to Aadhaar details Aadhaar authentication processes Offline verification methods Selective sharing of Aadhaar information Adoption of new technologies related to Aadhaar Promoting responsible usage of Aadhaar Key Figures UIDAI Chairman: Neelkanth Mishra unveiled the mascot at a function in Thiruvananthapuram. UIDAI CEO: Bhuvnesh Kumar emphasized the importance of public participation in building trust and acceptance of Aadhaar . Competition Winners Mascot Design Competition: First Prize: Arun Gokul from Thrissur, Kerala Second Prize: Idris Dawaiwala of Pune, Maharashtra Third Prize: Krishna Sharma from Ghazipur in Uttar Pradesh Mascot Name Competition: First Prize: Riya Jain of Bhopal Second Prize: Idris Dawaiwala of Pune Third Prize: Maharaj Saran Chellapilla of Hyderabad UPSC Relevance This initiative is relevant to GS2 (Government Policies and Interventions) and GS3 (Science and Technology) . It highlights the government's efforts to promote digital inclusion and improve service delivery through the use of technology. The launch of the Aadhaar mascot demonstrates a focus on citizen engagement and public awareness, which are crucial for the success of government programs. Important Facts UIDAI received 875 entries for the mascot design and name competition. The mascot aims to simplify communication for over a billion residents of India. The competition was held on the MyGov platform, promoting citizen participation.