Acharya Prashant highlights that the central cause of India's current plight is the systemic neglect and disrespect of education, educational institutions, and teachers. He argues that while India historically gave the path of knowledge to the world, 'knowledge' has now become a derogatory term in the country. He points out that the official literacy rate is misleading, as many who are considered literate can barely sign their names and lack the ability for critical thinking. He asserts that true education should awaken one's power of reasoning, yet he estimates that only about one percent of the population is truly educated. This widespread ignorance allows both exploitative religious figures and ineffective governance to persist, as the uneducated masses are easily manipulated by superstition and lack the discernment to vote or live wisely. Acharya Prashant criticizes the current educational infrastructure, noting that even those with higher degrees like B.A., M.A., or B.Tech often lack fundamental understanding and intellectual depth. He observes a culture where students pursue degrees merely for jobs or marriage rather than for genuine learning. He proposes a radical shift: rigorous, compulsory education for everyone until the age of twenty-three, mandated and supported by the state through scholarships. This curriculum should include not just specialized subjects but also mandatory exposure to science, economics, philosophy, psychology, and literature to create well-rounded human beings. He emphasizes that without a truly educated generation, improvements in politics, economy, or social issues like casteism and gender inequality will remain superficial. He concludes that the restoration of respect for the wise and the pursuit of self-study, including scriptures like the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, are essential for national transformation.