Chandigarh, Sep 10 (IANS): To commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of leading freedom fighter Lala Lajpat Rai, the Punjab government on Thursday announced that his birthplace in the state's Moga district would be given a complete facelift.

Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal on Thursday announced a complete facelift of Dhudike village, the birth place of Rai, in Moga at a cost of Rs. 14.39 crore.

At a meeting of state government officials held here to finalise arrangements for the 150th anniversary, it was decided that the facelift will include a slew of development works in the village, including construction of auditorium and installation of astroturf in the hockey stadium at the Lala Lajpat Rai Government College (LLRGC).

Lala Lajpat Rai, popularly known as "Punjab Kesari", had led protests against the British rule during the freedom movement. During once such in 1928, he and other protestors were baton charged by the British forces in Lahore. He died later due to injuries sustained in the incident.