What is Arattai?
Arattai, which means “casual chat” in Tamil, is an instant messaging application developed by Chennai-based Zoho Corporation, a leading global SaaS company. Much like WhatsApp, the app allows users to:
Send one-on-one and group messages
Share images, videos, and documents
Make voice and video calls
Post stories and manage channels
Use business-friendly tools for audience engagement
Launched during the pandemic, Arattai aims to be a homegrown alternative that supports India’s vision of digital self-reliance.
Minister’s Endorsement
Sharing his support, Pradhan wrote:
> “Arattai instant messaging app developed by @Zoho is free, easy-to-use, secure, safe and 'Made in India'. Guided by Honourable PM Shri @narendramodi ji's call to adopt Swadeshi, I appeal to everyone to switch to India-made apps to stay connected with friends and family.”
His endorsement links directly to the government’s ‘Swadeshi’ movement, which encourages citizens to adopt local products and technology.
How is Arattai Different from WhatsApp?
While Arattai mirrors many of WhatsApp’s features, there are some key differences:
End-to-end encryption: WhatsApp offers full end-to-end encryption for both messages and calls, while Arattai currently provides end-to-end encryption only for calls.
Made in India focus: Built by Zoho, the app emphasizes data security, user privacy, and Indian innovation.
Business ecosystem integration: Being part of Zoho’s product suite, Arattai has the potential for seamless integration with productivity tools for businesses.
Why is Arattai Making Headlines?
Union ministers have highlighted it as a true Indian alternative to foreign messaging apps.
It represents India’s growing digital independence movement, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
With over 80+ million WhatsApp users in India, the endorsement has sparked conversations about whether users might consider switching to a swadeshi alternative.
The Bigger Picture
Interestingly, Union IT and Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also praised Zoho products in a Cabinet briefing, revealing that government presentations were prepared using Zoho Show instead of Microsoft PowerPoint — another push for homegrown technology adoption.
Conclusion
The Arattai app is still evolving, but with strong backing from ministers and its association with Zoho Corporation, it is positioning itself as a credible WhatsApp alternative in India. Whether it can match WhatsApp’s widespread adoption remains to be seen, but its recent spotlight signals a growing wave of trust in Indian-made digital products.
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