Zoho Corporation’s homegrown messaging app Arattai has witnessed a sudden surge in popularity, climbing to the 18th most downloaded overall and second in the social networking category on India’s App Store. The boost came after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan endorsed the app on September 24, urging people to adopt India-made digital platforms.
What is Arattai?
Arattai—a Tamil word meaning “chat”—is Zoho’s answer to global messaging giants. Initially launched in beta during the pandemic, the app has been gradually refined and is now entering wider adoption.
According to Zoho’s founder Sridhar Vembu, Arattai is designed with a focus on:
- Accessibility for low-end devices: Optimized to work smoothly even on budget smartphones.
- Privacy and security: Strong data-protection measures with a commitment to keeping user data safe.
- Ease of use: A clean interface for seamless messaging and calls.
Vembu announced on September 26 that Arattai will soon roll out its full feature set and dedicated marketing campaign to compete with established apps like WhatsApp and Telegram.
User Response
Early adopters have praised the app’s interface, performance, and privacy-first approach. However, users also reported minor bugs and feature gaps, prompting calls for faster updates. Discussions on social media also highlight whether the Tamil-derived name “Arattai” will resonate with non-Tamil speakers as the app seeks pan-India adoption.
Why It Matters
The rise of Arattai underscores India’s push for digital self-reliance and alternatives to foreign-owned platforms. With government encouragement, growing concerns over data privacy, and Zoho’s reputation for enterprise software, Arattai could carve out a significant space in India’s messaging landscape.
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