Acharya Prashant addresses a question about the perceived contradiction between Hinduism's exploitation of Dalits and the essence of Sanatana Dharma. He begins by clarifying that the religion practiced by the common Hindu, which involves rituals and superstitions, is not Sanatana Dharma but rather a folk religion (Lok Dharma). He points to the image of Gautam Buddha behind the questioner, stating that Buddha is a true representation of Sanatana, and his teachings are the very essence of Sanatana Dharma. He acknowledges that a great deal of filth has accumulated over centuries, making it difficult to clean. Acharya Prashant asserts that just as a great injustice has been done to the Dalits, an equal injustice has been done to the Rishis (sages) by distorting their teachings. He advises against taking religion from the common people and instead encourages seeking it from figures like Shri Krishna, Gautam Buddha, and Kabir Saheb, while rejecting the prevalent folk religion. He unequivocally agrees that the folk religion, as it has been practiced, has indeed led to the exploitation of Dalits, a fact that every honest person must accept. He expresses a personal sense of guilt and shame over this historical injustice, which has not only been mental but also material and physical. He explains the fundamental difference between Shruti (that which was heard, i.e., Vedas and Upanishads) and Smriti (that which is remembered, i.e., all other texts like Manusmriti, Puranas, Itihasa). Sanatana Dharma is the religion of Shruti, which is supreme. Smriti is to be accepted only when it aligns with Shruti; otherwise, it must be rejected. The core principle of Shruti is the negation of all identities—body, mind, caste, gender, age—and thus, Sanatana Dharma cannot support any form of discrimination. The verse "Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah" is quoted not to endorse Manusmriti in its entirety, but because it is a valuable statement that also appears in the Mahabharata. He emphasizes the importance of accepting good ideas from any source while rejecting the flawed parts. Finally, Acharya Prashant advises that the first step towards upliftment is education. He encourages the questioner to inspire his community to study, as it is difficult to convey higher truths to the uneducated. True religion, he states, begins with inquiry and critical evaluation of oneself and one's life, not with blindly accepting scriptures or traditions. He clarifies that the religion of the common person, with its superstitions and rituals, is not Sanatana Dharma, and this distinction is crucial to understand.