The British force a teacher, Krishna Bihari Vajpayee and his wife Krishna Devi to give birth to their son at home. His strong will earns him the name, Atal. At seven, he defends Bharat's tradition.
A student is denied admission. Unlike elder brother Sada, Atal's eldest brother Avadh is upset with Atal's school admission. Atal's question about the freedom fighter, Bhagat Singh, worries everyone.
Atal feels unsettled by the atrocities of the British. Krishna Bihari tells Atal about Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev. Their death sentence announcement by the British officer Tomar shocks Atal.
The Britishers hang Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru ahead of schedule. The next day, Atal pays tribute to Bharat's freedom fighters. The villagers are moved and join him, but Tomar arrives there.
Tomar says that the Vajpayee family has links with revolutionaries, but the villagers oppose him. Krishna Devi tells Atal the qualities of a real leader. Krishna Bihari gives a promise in writing.
Krushna Bihari rejoices at Atal's first day at the English school. Atal suggests making Dhoti and Kurta the school uniform, enraging the principal. Krushna Bihari talks about changing Atal's mindset.
Krushna Devi encourages Atal to focus on his studies. Shyam Lal questions Krushna Bihari. Atal leaves from home in his school uniform but changes to Dhoti and Kurta on the way to school.
The principal tells Krushna Bihari that Atal won't achieve anything. Atal vows to fulfil Krushna Bihari's dreams. On hearing some news, Krushna Bihari tells Atal, Shyam Lal, and Krushna to leave home.
The British Officer Stops Atal from Going to School
The British officer informs Krushna Bihari that Atal cannot go to school until the investigation is over. Dadi helps Atal safely leave the village. Krushna Bihari misses Atal.
Atal, Shyam Lal and Krushna reach Bhateshwar. The villagers promise to support Krushna Bihari. Atal tells the children that he has not fought with his father but they have different opinions.
Atal goes to see the stunts. Krishna and Shyamlal teach him a lesson. A British officer misbehaves with Krishna Bihari and threatens him. Later, Atal gets disturbed after hearing a poor man's plight.
Atal and Krishna Bihari write letters to each other, and Tomar hatches a ploy. Krishna Bihari decides not to leave Gwalior. In Bateshwar, Atal takes a stand for a few women as they are tortured.
Atal and Krishna Bihari decide not to post their letters. Tomar tells Krishna Bihari that if Atal does not return in three days, they will have to leave the city. Later, Atal asks Krishna a question.
Atal takes water from the vessels of women from lower caste and adds it to his own. Krishna shares a tale with Atal. Dacoits loot a wealthy man's jewellery and Atal helps the police in catching them.
Atal Learns about the Villagers and Bandits' Plight
Fearing the British, shopkeepers refuse to give ration to Atal's family. The villagers tell Atal why they support the bandits. Atal decides to opt the path of non-violence to provide justice to all.
The villagers ask Tomar to stop following Atal's family. Atal says that authority should conduct like the reign of Lord Ram. Later, Tomar comes to evict Atal's family. Atal comes there and stops him.
Krishna Bihari visits the palace and tells Maharaj his problem. Tomar arrests Atal, but the Maharaj invites him to the palace. Later, Atal and Tomar present their respective sides in front of Maharaj.
Maharaj tests Atal and declares him innocent in court. Lala and Dayal get shocked on hearing the news. Later, Shyam Lal teaches a lesson to Atal, and Tomar's superior officer suspends him.
Atal talks to Krishna Bihari about facing the trouble together. Tomar points a gun at Atal and calls the Vajpayee family his enemy. Krishna Bihari gets emotional after reading Atal's apology letter.
The Principal Expels Atal from English Medium School
The principal expels Atal from English medium school and throws away his books. Atal vows to be successful by studying in Hindi medium. Krishna Bihari is saddened as his dream is shattered.
Krishna Bihari scolds Atal for laughing in the class. Atal insists on accompanying Krishna Bihari to the poetry event at the palace. To ease their grief, he asks them to learn English at home.
Discrimination takes place between Hindi and English medium kids in school. A few kids tear Atal's book. The principal refuses to pay salary to Krishna Bihari, who reminds Atal of holy Geeta lessons.
Krishna Bihari Is Embarrassed by Not Getting Salary
Krishna makes a list of the items needed. Lala tries to insult Krishna Bihari, but Atal teaches him a lesson. Krishna Bihari tells Krishna that he is embarrassed over not getting his salary.
The family decides to support Krishna Bihari in every situation. Avadh is worried due to a lack of funds for the interview. When Krishna brings books for Atal, Atal questions him about his earring.
Krishna gives money to Awadh, while children make fun of Atal's old books. Some revolutionaries send bouquets to Atal. A British officer removes Dayal's dhoti and throws it away.