Cite This Page: Proper Attribution Guide for 2025

In our culture, we are taught from a young age to always remember our roots and honor our gurus. The knowledge we receive is a sacred inheritance, a light passed down through generations. Whether it's a family recipe shared by a grandmother or a profound shloka taught by a teacher, we acknowledge the source with gratitude. In today’s vast digital world, this beautiful tradition of respect has a formal name: proper citation.

Think of it as a modern-day *Guru Dakshina*—a way of offering respect to the thinkers, writers, and creators whose work enlightens our own. For anyone sharing information in 2025, be it a student, a writer, or a business owner, understanding how to give credit correctly is not just a rule; it's a reflection of our integrity and values.

Why Acknowledging Sources is an Act of Dharma

In a world overflowing with information, being honest about where our ideas come from is more important than ever. It's about upholding *satya* (truth) and our *dharma* (duty) as responsible communicators. When we cite our sources, we are doing several important things:

• Building Trust (Vishwas): For any creator or business, transparency is key. When you show your audience where you got your information, you build a relationship based on trust and credibility. People are more likely to believe what you say when they know it’s backed by genuine research.
• Honoring Intellectual Karma: Taking someone else's work without giving credit is like claiming you cooked a delicious meal when someone else spent hours in the kitchen. It’s simply not right. Proper attribution avoids plagiarism and respects the hard work and intellectual property of the original creator.
• Creating a Trail of Knowledge: A good citation is like a map. It allows your readers to trace your steps, explore the original sources for themselves, and deepen their own understanding. This fosters a healthy community of learning and shared knowledge.

This very principle of honoring our intellectual heritage is at the heart of what we do at Bhaktilipi.in. Our mission is to preserve and share the timeless wisdom of our devotional literature, ensuring that the essence of these sacred texts is passed on with respect and authenticity to modern readers. We believe that every story, hymn, and scripture has a source worth celebrating.

The Building Blocks of a Good Citation in 2025

So, what does a proper citation look like today? While the formats might vary slightly, the core elements remain consistent. Think of them as the essential details needed to identify and locate any piece of work. A complete citation typically includes the author's name, the year it was published, the title of the work, and information about where to find it, like the publisher's name or a website URL. For online sources, a DOI (Digital Object Identifier) or a direct URL is crucial.

A common question people have is what to do when an author's name isn't available. In such cases, most citation styles suggest using the title of the article or the name of the organization that published it. The key is to provide enough information for someone to find the original source without confusion.

Popular Citation Styles: Choosing the Right Format

Just as different regions in India have their own unique customs, different academic and professional fields have their own preferred styles of citation. You don't need to master all of them, but it’s good to be familiar with the most common ones. Choosing the right one usually depends on the guidelines given by your institution, publisher, or field of work.

APA (American Psychological Association) Style - 7th Edition

Often used in the social sciences, education, and psychology, APA style is known for its focus on the date of publication. The 7th edition is the most current version. An in-text citation is simple, usually just (Author, Year), making it easy to read without interruption.

MLA (Modern Language Association) Style - 9th Edition

If you're writing in the humanities, like literature, arts, or philosophy, you'll likely use MLA. This style emphasizes the author and the page number where the information was found, for example (Author Page Number). The 9th edition encourages a flexible approach, adapting to the wide variety of sources we use today.

Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) - 18th Edition

This is a highly versatile style, popular in history, business, and the fine arts. The brand-new 18th edition (released in 2024) offers two systems: a simple author-date format similar to APA, and a more detailed notes-and-bibliography system using footnotes or endnotes for citations.

A little tip for when you're dealing with a work by multiple authors: for sources with two authors, you'll typically list both. For three or more, many styles, including APA, allow you to list the first author's name followed by "et al." which means "and others." It helps keep the citation concise.

Navigating the Digital Age: Citing Online Sources and Using Tools

In 2025, most of our research happens online. Citing a webpage, a blog post, or a video is just as important as citing a book. When citing an online source, make sure you include the author (if available), the title of the page, the name of the website, the publication date, and the full URL. Accuracy is paramount here; just as dates are crucial for an authentic Panchang, the correct details are essential for a valid citation.

Many people turn to online citation generators for help. These tools can be a great starting point, but think of them as an assistant, not the final authority. Always double-check the generated citation against the style guide's rules. Sometimes, these tools miss details or make small formatting errors, and the final responsibility for an accurate citation is always yours.

Conclusion: A Modern Practice Rooted in Timeless Values

In the end, proper attribution is more than just a technical requirement. It is a practice of mindfulness and respect. It’s about acknowledging the interconnectedness of knowledge and honoring the efforts of those who came before us. By taking the time to cite our sources correctly, we not only avoid plagiarism but also contribute to a culture of integrity and fairness.

Let's embrace this practice as a modern expression of a value we've held dear for centuries. Let’s keep the flame of knowledge burning brightly and share it with honesty and respect. To continue exploring our rich devotional heritage in fresh, engaging ways, we invite you to connect with us. You can follow our journey on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Let’s keep the wisdom alive, together!