INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNO V A T ION IN APPLIED SCIENCE (IJRIAS)

ISSN No. 2454-6194 | DOI: 10.51584/IJRIAS |V o lume X Issue XI November 2025

Sanatan Dharma: The Ultimate Pathway to Achieving Global

Sustainable Development Goals.

Dr Aishwarya H Jadeja

Ashtanga Yoga, Lakulish Yoga University, India

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.51584/IJRIAS.2025.101100002

Received: 07 November 2025; Accepted: 14 November 2025; Published: 27 November 2025

ABSTRACT

The United Nations (2017) states that SDGs stand for Sustainable Developmental Goals, also known as Global

Goals (GGs). These objectives are a collection of seventeen. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were

introduced by the United Nations General

Assembly (UN-GA) in 2015 and are projected to be achieved by 2030 (United Nations, 2015). The SDGs are

regarded as significant since they assist in addressing basic human needs, controlling climate change,

establishing financial stability, and preserving biodiversity. No poverty, zero hungry, good health and wellbeing,

quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, decent work and

economic growth, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Reduced Inequality, Sustainable Cities and

Communities, Responsible Consumption and Production, Climate Action, Life Below Water, Life on Land,

Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, Partnerships for the

Goals. The Sanatan Dharma tells about the ethics, behaviour with others and nature, Karma concept, worshiping

nature, responsibility towards nature, society, family and towards country and the world. These are the Pathway

of the sustainable development goals.

Keywords-Sanatan Dharma, ultimate pathway, Sustainable development goals, Global.

INTRODUCTION

The United Nations (2017) states that SDGs stand for Sustainable Developmental Goals, also known as Global

Goals (GGs). These objectives are a collection of seventeen. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were

introduced by the United Nations General Assembly (UN-GA) in 2015 and are projected to be achieved by 2030

(United Nations, 2015). The goals and how to achieve it with the help of Sanatan Dharma concept.

No poverty

By 2030, this objective aims to eradicate extreme poverty on a global scale. This objective consists of thirteen

(13) indicators and seven (7) goals that are used to track its advancement. (United Nations Sustainable

Development Knowledge Platform, 2017). The unequal distribution of income leads to poverty. Corruption is

one of the main reason of poverty. Asteya (non stealing), truth, Honesty, santosh (satisfaction), Aparigrah and

karma concept (action we do will come back to us). If non stealing is adopted no one will take money of others.

If Honesty and loyalty is indulged in ones Life, the person is satisfied with whatever he is having by doing hard

work, if the person is not having or possessing more things then needed he not have greed to take other person

money or things. If the person read scriptures of karma yoga whatever he will do will come back to him. He will

not do anything what he doesn’t want in his life.

Zero Hunger

This objective was developed for agricultural sustainability as well as to end hunger by achieving food security

and improving nutrition. Eight (8) goals and fourteen (14) indicators make up this goal's measurements. United

Nations, 2017. In our Sanatan Dharma the importance of Daan (donation) 10% of the income that you have earn

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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNO V A T ION IN APPLIED SCIENCE (IJRIAS)

ISSN No. 2454-6194 | DOI: 10.51584/IJRIAS |V o lume X Issue XI November 2025

with your righteousness is disturbed. And agriculture was an important part. In Sanatan dharma diet i.e. Ann is

given special importance. Ann means Bramha, Whatever we eat we become. Mitahara is very important concept

in sanatan dharma. If the corruption is zero by following above characteristics of Sanatan Dharma then

automatically one will be able to give good Nutrition and zero hunger.

Good health and wellbeing

The UN established this objective to guarantee that everyone, regardless of age, has the right to good health since

it fosters wellbeing. Thirteen (13) milestones and twenty-eight (28) indicators make up the aim in order to track

its advancement (Ritchie & Mispy, 2018). Sanatan Dharma includes yoga practices, Yam and Niyam. Wellbeing

includes Bhagwat geeta, reading scripture, mantra Jaap, Karma concept, asana, pranayama, Dharna leads to good

good physical heath and mental wellbeing. The Yam and niyam practices helps in mental wellbeing.

Quality of education

The UN set this aim in order to guarantee that everyone is included and has the right to a fair, high-quality

education that will last a lifetime with many opportunities for learning. Ten (10) aims and eleven (11) indicators

serve as the baseline for this goal (UNESCO, 2020). In India education was given free to all. Gurukul system

was there in education where the person learn Vedas, skills oriented, how to do karma yoga, pranayama. And the

person who was interested or was good in any skill will go in that field. All were Treated the same. In Sandipani

Rishi Ashram, Krishna and Sudama both used to Study together. There was no discrimination between any of

the students. Gurukul teaches us the way to behave, to work, to respect, worship, practice our traditional yoga,

basic knowledge of the subject, brahmacharya, mitahara and also serve us healthy life. Then used to stay in

Ashram till they complete their education. In this they were completely dedicated towards their goal there was

no distraction. The education does not just give theoretical knowledge but also practical knowledge was given.

They stay also healthy due to mitahara, eating satvic and healthy food, yoga and pranayama practices. As

bramacharya was maintained there cognitive function, decision making power, willpower and mental ability

were strong.

Gender equality and reduced Inequality

This objective was created to ensure that both genders—male or female—are treated equally. It was specifically

developed to empower and empower women and girls to be who they want to be and do what they want in the

job, community, family, and the country at large. The commitment or motto “Leave No One Behind” serves as

the standard for this aim, which lacks a precise target or indicators (United Nations, 2016). Women Inequality is

seen everywhere. In Sanatan dharma only women are treated as goddess. Women are considered as Shakti. In

South special Pooja for girls is done they are worship. Both are considered equal. Mahabharat was done because

draupati was respected by kauravas. And in Ramayana the fight between ram and ravan was fought because

ravan has kidnapped Sitaji so for the righteousness and duty Ram fought for Dharma. In our vedas both men and

women are told to respect each other.

Clean water and sanitation

This objective focusses on ensuring that everyone has access to clean, portable water and proper sanitation, as

well as how these may be maintained. Eleven (11) indicators and eight (8) targets make up the goal’s

measurements (United Nations, 2018). In nadi suktam of rigveda 10.75 river is given importance. In our prayer

we use water to purify our body and cleanse the Pooja and prasand by sprinkling water and saying mantra apitro

apitra …. We worship and believe as a purity, spiritual importance as it gives us life for drinking, agriculture and

cleansing means. If any one has this respect within then the person will not misuse the water unnecessary and

also will keep the river clean. In vedas Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Sindhu, Godavari, Narmada and Kaveri are

considered holy water.

Affordable and clean energy

This is all about making affordable, reliable, consistent, continuous, and ultramodern energy available to

everyone. Five (5) aims and six (6) indicators make up this goal’s standard (Ritchie & Mispy, 2018). Sanatan

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ISSN No. 2454-6194 | DOI: 10.51584/IJRIAS |V o lume X Issue XI November 2025

Dharma emphasis and considered sun, water, land, air and wind is considered important. They offer water to sun

ans recite different mantra as a gratitude towards him as sun gives us energy and one of the reason that life on

earth is possible is due to Sun and water. And all this is helpful in solar and wind energy. The concept of santosh

(contentment), Aparigrah (non possession), it emphasis and encourage environment protection, organic farming

which is helpful in reduction of fossil fuel. If the person will have contentment they will not be greedy and will

not possess more things then required. As we see in one family the need of car is 2 but they will have 4 car. The

extra unnecessary is not required. This is possible by non possession characteristics of Sanatan Dharma.

Decent work and economic growth

This objective was started in order to address and promote concerns related to fair, respectable, and acceptable

labour, economic growth, and suitable employment that is sustainable and accessible to all. There are twelve

(12) targets, however there are no indications. (2020, United Nations). In Sanatan dharma the four endeavors of

life are arth, Kaam, Dharma and moksha. The arth purusarth gives important about earning and living. There is

book called Arthashastra Books on the nature of governance, legislation, civil and criminal court systems, ethics,

economics, markets and commerce, ministerial screening procedures, diplomacy, war theories, the nature of

peace, and the responsibilities and duties of a monarch are all included. It also contains historical economic and

cultural information about forests, wildlife, medicine, animal husbandry, agriculture, mineralogy, mining, and

metals. It is inspired by Vedic literature. In purana Daan is given importance. The concept of karma analysis on

bhagwat geeta. Manu Smriti gives importance of Wealth by having correct knowledge and doing righteousness

karma in work. Thus economic growth will also increases as individual growth increases.

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Sustainable Cities and Communities

This objective focuses on how to create long-lasting infrastructure, promote sustainable global economic growth,

and stimulate innovation. Eight (8) targets and twelve (12) indicators make up the goal's benchmark (Nations

Economic and Social Council, 2020). In puran, Matsya, skanda, Bihar Samhita, Samarangana, Sulbi Sutra,

sutradhara and Kautalya Arthshastra have information regarding architecture, residential building, commercial

building, temples, villages, vastu, town etc. So proper information regarding Infrastructure is in our Vedas. There

was substantial intellectual and spiritual progress during the Vedic era in ancient India (1500–500 BCE).

Advanced mathematical ideas, such as the decimal system and the idea of zero, emerged during the Vedic era.

Additionally, the understanding of celestial bodies and time measurement were significantly advanced by ancient

Indian astronomers. The design and construction of buildings like temples and forts have been influenced by

the architectural ideas found in Vedic writings for a long time. Furthermore, the Vedic-based Ayurvedic medical

system is still in use and being researched for its allencompassing approach to healthcare. Indian Vedic

technology encompasses a wide range of advancements that are often disregarded in today’s world. Examining

the innovation not only highlights the workable scientific completion of ancient but also offer valuable insight

for contemporary scientific research and development. The innovation, span various, domain, astronomy,

mathematics, architecture, and medicine, highlighting the sophisticated understanding and practical application

of ancient India.

Responsible Consumption and Production

This was put in place to ensure that production and consumption are rethought, innovated, and long-term

sustainable. Eleven (11) targets make up the aim, although no indicators have been set (Walker & Tony, 2021).

Santana dharma teaches us to be kind, helpful, do charity those who need, ahimsa, simple living, arjav,

contentment with whatever the person is having and specially Aparigrah not holding more than required. They

also perform yagna that’s to give back to nature.

Climate Action

There are no indicators or targets for this goal. It was put up to combat the evil of climate degradation. The

objective promotes and supports the use of renewable energy for sustainable development because it aims to

mitigate the consequences of pollutants or effluents released into the climate by addressing climate change (IEA,

IRENA, UNSD, WB, WHO, 2019). We worship Panchmahabhuts. In classical music of India we have different

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ISSN No. 2454-6194 | DOI: 10.51584/IJRIAS |V o lume X Issue XI November 2025

rags. Malhar is so potent that it can cause rain to fall when sung.The Raga Malhar is described in numerous

written writings. Using several types of Raga Malhar, Tansen, Baiju Bawra, Baba Ramdas, Nayak Charju, Miyan

Bakhshu, Tanta ring, Tantras Khan, Bilas Khan (son of Tansen), Hammer Sen, Surat Sen, and Meera Bai are

reported to be able to initiate rains.Raga deepak used to generate Agni , Raga hindol and Raga bahar for making

climate smoothing. Not possess beyond capacity is one of the characteristics of Sanatan Dharma. Respect and

debt towards nature. In our sanatan dharma in veda the tress like tulsi, neem, banyan tree, pepal tree and bel

tree. Tulsi has been demonstrated to offer protection against the harmful effects of common pesticides like rogor,

chlorpyrifos, endosulfan, and lindane as well as industrial pollutants like butylparaben, carbon tetrachloride,

copper sulphate, and ethanol. Acetaminophen, meloxicam, paracetamol, haloperidol, and antitubercular

medications are just a few of the pharmaceuticals that tulsi has been demonstrated to protect against. Its releases

oxygen even at night. It absorbs toxin thus purify the air and also help to calm the atmosphere. Banyan tree also

releases oxygen at night. It has,high rate of photosynthesis. With a yearly sequestration capacity of 1221.08 kg

of carbon and 4476.84 kg of CO2 per tree, Ficus benghalensis leads the field. The neem tree has carbon

Sequestration that helps in reduction of global warming, cooling effect, improves soil fertility, drought resistance,

improves air quality, renewable energy source, erosion control and has agroforestry benefits.

Because the peepal tree is so good at taking carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in soil and wood,

it can help combat climate change. Additionally, because of their special photosynthesis mechanism, peepal

trees are remarkable for releasing oxygen both during the day and at night. Additionally, their vast canopy

contributes to the reduction of air pollution and offers substantial shade, which cools the urban environment.

Life below water Life on earth

In order to ensure sustainable development, this goal seeks to protect, conserve, and naturally utilize marine life,

which includes the seas, marine resources, oceans, etc. There are seven targets in this aim and no indicators.

Department of Economic and Social Affairs, United Nations, 2020. In Santana dharma river is worshipped, the

concept of ahimsa is there. In Bhagwat geeta the vegetarian food is given importance. Whatever good we take

we become. Sea food eaters consume upto 11000 tiny pieces of plastic annually according to the research of

University of Ghent. And the net used for fishing also pollutes sea food. Mostly dolphin food meat is consumed

or given by giving another label. That contains high level of mercury.

Life on earth

In addition to seeking ways to improve their sustainability, this goal encourages the preservation and

revitalization of forestry, natural ecosystems, desertification eradication, land degradation, and biodiversity loss.

There are only nine targets for this aim and no indicators. In sanatan dharma the river and the trees that we

worship helps in erosion control, improves soil fertility and agroforestry benefits.

Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Partnerships of the goal.

Goal 16 seeks to build robust institutions, advance justice, and promote peace. Ten (10) targets make up the aim,

although no indicators are specified (United Nations, 2017). In sanatan dharma the concept of vasudev

kutumbakam, ahimsa, behave towards others that you like other to behave with you. Ahimsa brings peace. But

sometimes justice is also necessary. If anyone is not able to understand the concept of ahimsa and does violence

that effect the innocent people then Justice for the innocent is necessary. If terrorist attacks that we should give

them back. That called fighting for dharma. We talk about non violence at the same time in our scriptures we try

to convince if someone is harming or spreading adharma. The example of Ramayana, Ram try to convince ravan

many times for peace and told her if you return Sita, then I will not do war with you. But he didn’t listen so for

the Justice the war was done and ramji won the war. We already have so strong roots of sanatan dharma that the

peace and justice concept prevails and can help to improve the problem.

In addition to repairing and reconsidering the global coalition on how to preserve the SDGs’ advancements, this

last and final aim discusses strategies, tactics, and processes for solidifying, consolidating, and maintaining their

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ISSN No. 2454-6194 | DOI: 10.51584/IJRIAS |V o lume X Issue XI November 2025

implementation. Nineteen (19) targets and twenty-four indicators serve as the benchmark for this final SDG

(Peccia, Kelej, Hamdy, & Fahmi, 2017). We believe vasudev kutumbakam that all world is our family. All

together we can improve the problems and can achieve the goals of SDG

CONCLUSION

Our sanatan dharma is just not a religion it merely more than that. Our behaviour towards others, our respect

towards Panchmahabhut, our worship is not superstitious but our ancestors, sages have done sadhana and given

the concept of sanatan dharma. Which is so scientific that helps to reduce the problems of the future. They were

highly intelligent and so kind that they thought of human beings problems, implementation and solution. All the

worship were given so we live healthy and happy life. The Scriptures that we Indians have is not found in any

other country we do not force anyone to worship our God and goddess. Instead we ask them to worship their

God or the one that they believe. We ask them the way to live life that helps in living unpolluted, happy, peaceful.

If all the country follows Santan Dharma, I think the earth will be the happiest and peaceful planet to live.

Sanatan Dharma is the pathway of Sustainable Development goals.

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