SDG Alignment Policy

BHĀRATĀYANA | भारतायन | ভারতায়ন

AI-Assisted Interdisciplinary Journal of Indian Knowledge Systems

Commitment to Sustainable Knowledge

BHĀRATĀYANA recognizes that scholarly research plays a vital role in addressing contemporary global challenges while preserving and advancing the intellectual traditions of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS). The journal encourages research that contributes to sustainable development through interdisciplinary inquiry, ethical scholarship, responsible innovation, and meaningful societal engagement.

In support of this commitment, authors are encouraged to identify how their research aligns with one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) where such alignment is relevant and academically justifiable.

The purpose of this policy is to promote responsible scholarship, increase the societal relevance of published research, and facilitate broader academic engagement with sustainable development.

1. Purpose of the Policy

The SDG Alignment Policy seeks to:

• encourage research with meaningful societal impact;

• strengthen connections between Indian Knowledge Systems and global sustainability initiatives;

• improve the discoverability and practical relevance of published research;

• promote interdisciplinary dialogue across academic disciplines;

• support responsible, ethical, and sustainable knowledge production.

The journal recognizes that not every manuscript will have a direct or explicit connection to the SDGs. Authors should identify SDG alignment only where it is appropriate, evidence-based, and relevant to the objectives of their research.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all categories of scholarly submissions, including:

• Original Research Articles

• Review Articles

• Conceptual and Theoretical Papers

• Case Studies

• Short Communications

• Research Notes

• Book Reviews

• Translations with Scholarly Commentary

3. SDG Alignment Statement

Authors are encouraged to include a brief SDG Alignment Statement in their manuscript following the conclusion or before the references.

The statement should:

• identify the relevant Sustainable Development Goal(s);

• briefly explain the relationship between the research and the selected goal(s);

• be concise, accurate, and evidence-based.

Recommended Length: 50–100 words.

4. Principles for SDG Alignment

Authors should ensure that any SDG Alignment Statement:

• accurately reflects the content of the manuscript;

• is supported by the research findings or scholarly arguments;

• avoids exaggerated or unsupported claims;

• demonstrates a genuine contribution rather than a superficial association;

• remains consistent with the academic objectives of the study.

The Editorial Board may request revision of an SDG statement where clarification is required.

5. Examples of Relevant SDGs

Research published in BHĀRATĀYANA may contribute to a variety of Sustainable Development Goals, including but not limited to:

• SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being

• SDG 4 – Quality Education

• SDG 5 – Gender Equality

• SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

• SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities

• SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities

• SDG 13 – Climate Action

• SDG 15 – Life on Land

• SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

• SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals

The relevance of any SDG should arise naturally from the research and should not be included solely for descriptive or promotional purposes.

6. Editorial Assessment

During the editorial process, SDG Alignment Statements may be reviewed for:

• clarity;

• relevance;

• consistency with the manuscript;

• academic justification.

The Editorial Board may recommend revisions where necessary to improve accuracy or alignment.

The presence or absence of an SDG Alignment Statement shall not, by itself, determine the acceptance or rejection of a manuscript.

7. Interdisciplinary Perspective

BHĀRATĀYANA particularly encourages research that demonstrates how Indian Knowledge Systems contribute to sustainable development through areas such as:

• philosophy and ethics;

• education and pedagogy;

• environmental stewardship;

• traditional health systems;

• indigenous knowledge;

• language and cultural heritage;

• science and technology;

• social justice;

• peacebuilding;

• responsible innovation.

The journal values interdisciplinary scholarship that bridges classical knowledge traditions with contemporary global challenges.

8. Author Responsibilities

Authors are responsible for ensuring that:

• the SDG Alignment Statement accurately represents the research;

• all claims are evidence-based;

• selected SDGs are directly relevant to the study;

• the statement is consistent with the manuscript's objectives and findings.

Misleading or unsupported claims regarding SDG contributions should be avoided.

9. Policy Review and Amendments

The Editorial Board periodically reviews this SDG Alignment Policy to ensure consistency with evolving international best practices, developments in sustainable development, and the journal's editorial mission.

The Board reserves the right to revise, expand, or amend this policy when necessary.

Any amendments will:

• be approved by the Editorial Board;

• be published on the journal's official website;

• include a clearly stated effective date; and

• apply prospectively unless otherwise specified.

The most recent version of this policy shall supersede all previous versions.

Recommended SDG Alignment Statement

Authors may use the following format:

SDG Alignment Statement: This study primarily contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education) by advancing knowledge on innovative approaches to teaching and learning within Indian Knowledge Systems. It also supports SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) through its emphasis on ethical inquiry, inclusive dialogue, and responsible scholarship.

Commitment to Sustainable Scholarship

BHĀRATĀYANA believes that meaningful research should not only expand academic knowledge but also contribute to the well-being of society, the preservation of cultural heritage, and the pursuit of a more just, sustainable, and inclusive future. By encouraging thoughtful SDG alignment, the journal seeks to strengthen the dialogue between Indian Knowledge Systems and the global Sustainable Development Agenda while preserving the principles of academic freedom, intellectual rigor, and ethical scholarship.

BHĀRATĀYANA | भारतायन | ভারতায়ন

Advancing Indian Knowledge Systems through interdisciplinary research, ethical scholarship, and meaningful contributions to sustainable development.