Perplexity AI CEO Aravind Srinivas has extended his congratulations to Zoho Corporation for the remarkable success of its homegrown messaging app, Arattai. In a stunning display of user interest, daily sign-ups have surged from 3,000 to an impressive 350,000 in just three days, positioning Arattai as a formidable Indian competitor to WhatsApp.
Massive growth in just days
The app’s rapid ascent is nothing short of extraordinary, reflecting a staggering 100-fold increase in daily sign-ups. Zoho’s Chief Scientist and co-founder, Sridhar Vembu, shared insights into the company’s response to this unprecedented demand. He noted that teams are diligently working around the clock to enhance infrastructure and address technical challenges arising from the sudden influx of users. “We are adding infrastructure on an emergency basis for another potential 100x peak surge. That is how exponentials work,” he remarked on X, highlighting that this growth has occurred months ahead of a planned November rollout of new features and marketing initiatives.
What Arattai offers
The name Arattai, which translates to “casual chat” in Tamil, encapsulates the app’s mission of facilitating simple, everyday communication. It boasts a suite of features that resonate with messaging users, including:
- Text, image, video, and document sharing
- Voice and video calls
- Stories for sharing moments
Additionally, businesses can leverage channels to engage with their audiences, enhancing the platform’s appeal beyond personal use. A strong emphasis on privacy is woven into its design, with end-to-end encrypted calls ensuring secure conversations for all users.
Government support and industry praise
The rapid rise of Arattai has not gone unnoticed in political circles. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has encouraged citizens to explore the app, describing it as “free, easy-to-use, secure, and safe.” His endorsement aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Swadeshi initiative, advocating for indigenous innovation. This backing elevates Arattai beyond a mere messaging tool, positioning it as a key player in a national digital movement.
In the tech industry, the app’s momentum has garnered recognition, with Perplexity AI CEO Aravind Srinivas commending Zoho for what he termed a “very successful launch.”
A homegrown contender
With its swift adoption, robust privacy features, and strong government endorsement, Arattai is rapidly emerging as a viable alternative to established global players. This growth trajectory suggests that India may indeed have its own answer to WhatsApp, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of digital communication within the country.
