Aadhaar, which translates to "foundation" in Hindi, is a 12-digit unique identity number issued to Indian residents by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). It is the world's largest biometric ID system. The data is collected by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), a statutory authority established in January 2009 by the Government of India. Nandan Nilekani, the co-founder of Infosys and former Chairman of the UIDAI, played a pivotal role in the conceptualization and implementation of the Aadhaar project. Aadhaar has had a transformative impact on India's identity infrastructure and governance systems, facilitating inclusive growth, transparency, and efficiency in service delivery. Nandan Nilekani's vision and leadership were instrumental in driving the Aadhaar project forward and realising its potential as a foundational platform for development and empowerment. It is considered a proof of residence and not a proof of citizenship; Aadhaar does not itself grant any rights to domicile in India.