📷 Image Source: Official Arattaai Messanger App render, modified by TechMitra. Used for informational purposes under fair use.
India’s push for digital self-reliance continues to gather momentum, and the latest endorsement from Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has brought fresh attention to one such initiative. The Minister recently took to his official X account to promote the Arattai messenger app, a “Made in India” alternative to WhatsApp, developed by Chennai-based technology giant Zoho Corporation.
In his post, Pradhan highlighted Arattai as a platform that is free, easy-to-use, safe, and secure. He further linked his endorsement to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s larger vision of encouraging citizens to adopt indigenous digital products under the banner of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
“The Arattai instant messaging app developed by Zoho is free, easy-to-use, safe, and ‘Made in India.’ In line with Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s call to embrace indigenous messaging, I urge everyone to use apps made in India to stay connected with friends and family,” Pradhan wrote on X.
This endorsement has sparked nationwide interest in the app, raising questions about how it compares to global players like WhatsApp and whether it can become a strong contender in India’s digital ecosystem.
Table of Contents
What is Arattai Messenger App ?
The word Arattai means “casual conversation” in Tamil—an apt name for a platform built to facilitate everyday communication.
Launched by Zoho Corporation, one of India’s most successful homegrown technology firms, Arattai was initially introduced in early 2021. Over the past few years, the app has gradually expanded its features and is now positioning itself as a holistic communication tool for both personal and business use.
Much like WhatsApp, Arattai allows users to:
Send text messages
Share photos, videos, and documents
Initiate voice and video calls
Create group chats
Share updates via stories
Broadcast content through channels
Arattai is available on both Android and iOS platforms, making it accessible to a wide base of Indian users.
Key Features of Arattai
Arattai is designed to feel familiar to users of existing messaging apps while incorporating some features unique to its own platform. Here are the standout elements:
One-to-One and Group Messaging – Just like WhatsApp, users can send personal messages or create groups for family, friends, or work.
Voice and Video Calls – Arattai offers end-to-end encryption for calls, ensuring safe communication between users.
Media and File Sharing – Photos, videos, PDFs, and other documents can be exchanged seamlessly.
Stories and Channels – Users can post temporary updates for their contacts, while channels allow for broader audience engagement, making it business-friendly.
Cross-Platform Access – Arattai is supported on both mobile devices and desktops, which helps in business adoption.
Made in India Assurance – The app emphasizes local development and data storage within India, which appeals to users conscious about data sovereignty.
How is Arattai Different from WhatsApp?
While Arattai mirrors much of WhatsApp’s functionality, there are some notable differences:
Encryption: WhatsApp provides end-to-end encryption for both messages and calls by default, making it one of the most secure mainstream messaging apps globally. Arattai, on the other hand, currently provides end-to-end encryption only for calls, not for text messages. This difference may concern privacy-conscious users.
Data Localization: Arattai emphasizes that its data is stored in India, which aligns with the government’s call for digital sovereignty. WhatsApp’s data storage policies are global and often criticized for their lack of transparency.
Business Tools: Zoho is already a leader in SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) products, and Arattai aims to integrate with Zoho’s existing ecosystem of productivity tools, making it particularly useful for enterprises and startups.
User Base: WhatsApp enjoys a dominant position in India with over 500 million users, whereas Arattai is still in its growth phase. Adoption remains a key challenge.
Why is Arattai in the News?
Arattai gained sudden momentum after Union Minister Pradhan’s endorsement, which directly linked the app to the broader government vision of promoting “swadeshi” (indigenous) products. This is not the first time the government has highlighted Zoho’s work.
Union IT and Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also mentioned Zoho in a cabinet briefing, noting that a government presentation had been created using Zoho Show instead of Microsoft PowerPoint. Such endorsements underline the government’s intent to support Indian software companies that can reduce dependence on foreign products.
With the ongoing global concerns about data privacy, foreign influence, and cybersecurity, apps like Arattai are being positioned not just as alternatives, but as strategic tools in building India’s digital sovereignty.
The Larger Picture: India’s Push for Indigenous Apps
Arattai is not just a standalone app—it is part of India’s broader push to create and adopt indigenous digital platforms. Over the last few years, India has witnessed a wave of “Made in India” apps, particularly after the government banned several Chinese apps in 2020 citing security concerns.
From Koo (Twitter alternative) to Bharat Browser and Chingari (TikTok alternative), many platforms have tried to fill the gap left by foreign services. However, most have struggled to compete with the network effect and convenience offered by global giants.
Arattai’s backing by Zoho, a well-established global technology player, gives it a stronger foundation than many other homegrown apps. Zoho already serves millions of business users worldwide and has the infrastructure to scale Arattai both domestically and internationally.
Can Arattai Compete with WhatsApp?
The big question is whether Arattai can realistically compete with WhatsApp, which is deeply entrenched in India’s digital culture. Some points to consider:
Adoption Hurdle: People rarely shift messaging platforms unless there is a compelling reason. For Arattai to succeed, it must offer features or assurances that are significantly better than WhatsApp.
Security Concerns: The lack of end-to-end encryption for messages could limit adoption, especially among users concerned about privacy.
Government Endorsements: Political backing may help in early visibility but sustained growth will depend on user experience, innovation, and trust.
Enterprise Use: Arattai’s best bet may be in the business communication space, where integration with Zoho’s ecosystem could give it an edge over WhatsApp.
Conclusion
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s endorsement of the Arattai app has propelled it into the spotlight, highlighting India’s ongoing efforts to strengthen digital independence. Developed by Zoho Corporation, Arattai is a feature-rich, homegrown alternative to WhatsApp that blends personal messaging with enterprise-friendly tools.
However, the road ahead won’t be easy. To compete with global giants, Arattai will need to continuously improve its security features, expand its user base, and leverage its Made in India identity to win the trust of everyday users.
For now, the app stands as a symbol of India’s ambition to create world-class indigenous technology—a small but significant step in the journey towards an Atmanirbhar digital India.
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