The path of mentor and disciple has been lost in today’s world Why?

Jawaharlal Nehru’s (former Prime Minister of India) thoughts were as follows:
The genius of the Buddha has to do with the fact that he is a [human being]. The originator of one of the most profound systems of thought in the history of humanity, an inflexible spirit and the most Noble compassion. An accuser, vis-à-vis the teeming multitude of the Gods. When he became defied he merged with that multitude, which closed round him.”

Dr. Daisaku Ikeda says:

Shakyamuni Buddha lived his life as a human being, and he repudiated the Gods that were widely worshiped at that time.

Nichiren Daishonin, likewise, remonstrated with Hachiman, considered a Guardian deity of Japan. He did not be beseech the heavenly deities – the productive forces of the universe – for assistance; rather, as a human being who embraced the Mystic law, he summoned them to action. 
In essence, Buddhism teaches how human being should live. Through his own example, shakyamuni taught us how to live our lives. This is the path of mentor and disciple.

But at some point, the human being shakyamuni was elevated and transfigured into deity. While meaning in present day India still Revere  The Buddha, it is generally as one of the Gods of the vast Hindu Pantheon. Though they regard The Buddha as an object of reverence, he is no longer seen as a model on which to base one’s life. The path of mentor and disciple has been lost.