SDG Alignment Guidelines

BHĀRATĀYANA

AI-Assisted Interdisciplinary Journal of Indian Knowledge Systems

Purpose

BHĀRATĀYANA encourages authors to demonstrate the broader societal relevance of their research by identifying its alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The inclusion of an SDG Alignment Statement helps readers, reviewers, policymakers, and scholars understand the potential contribution of the research to sustainable development and global well-being.

As an interdisciplinary journal dedicated to Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), BHĀRATĀYANA welcomes scholarly contributions that address contemporary challenges through the lens of India's intellectual, philosophical, scientific, cultural, and ecological traditions.

What is SDG Alignment?

SDG Alignment refers to the connection between a research study and one or more of the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals established under the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Authors are encouraged to identify the SDG(s) most relevant to their research and briefly explain how their study contributes to sustainable development through knowledge generation, policy implications, educational advancement, cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, social inclusion, or ethical reflection.

Author Requirement

All submitted manuscripts should include a brief SDG Alignment Statement immediately following the Abstract and Keywords.

The statement should:

• Identify the relevant Sustainable Development Goal(s);

• Explain the relationship between the research and the selected SDG(s);

• Highlight the potential academic, social, cultural, environmental, educational, or policy impact of the study.

Recommended Length: 50–100 words.

Suggested Format

SDG Alignment:

This research aligns with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). By examining the ethical dimensions of knowledge transmission within Indian intellectual traditions, the study contributes to inclusive education, critical inquiry, and responsible institutional development.

Illustrative Examples

Education and Pedagogy

Relevant SDG: SDG 4 – Quality Education

Example Statement:

This study investigates traditional pedagogical models within Indian Knowledge Systems and their relevance to contemporary learning environments. The findings contribute to SDG 4 by promoting inclusive, value-based, and learner-centred educational practices.

Environmental Ethics and Sustainability

Relevant SDGs: SDG 13 – Climate Action; SDG 15 – Life on Land

Example Statement:

Drawing upon ecological perspectives embedded in Indian philosophical traditions, this research promotes sustainable human–nature relationships and contributes to ongoing discussions concerning environmental conservation and climate responsibility.

Gender, Society, and Social Justice

Relevant SDGs: SDG 5 – Gender Equality; SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities

Example Statement:

The study critically examines gendered experiences within cultural and philosophical traditions, contributing to scholarly discussions on equality, inclusion, and social justice.

Indian Knowledge Systems and Community Well-being

Relevant SDGs: SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being; SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities

Example Statement:

This research explores traditional knowledge practices that support holistic well-being, cultural continuity, and sustainable community development, thereby contributing to healthier and more resilient societies.

Important Note

Authors should select only those SDGs that are genuinely relevant to the objectives, methodology, findings, and implications of their research. SDG Alignment should be meaningful and evidence-based rather than symbolic or aspirational.

The Editorial Board may request revisions where the SDG Alignment Statement is unclear, unsupported, or inconsistent with the manuscript's content.

Commitment to Sustainable Scholarship

BHĀRATĀYANA is committed to fostering research that bridges tradition and innovation, local knowledge and global challenges, and scholarly inquiry and societal transformation. Through meaningful engagement with the Sustainable Development Goals, the journal seeks to promote research that contributes to a more equitable, sustainable, and intellectually enriched future.