Chandigarh, Jan 13 (IANS): Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to constitute a national-level committee to oversee the year-long 400th 'Prakash Purb' (birth anniversary) celebrations of ninth Sikh Guru Teg Bahadur, on the lines of the 550th celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, Amarinder pointed out the state planned to celebrate the historic occasion in a befitting manner with a series of programmes throughout the year, beginning in April.

The Chief Minister apprised Modi that the state was already in the process of drawing up a detailed proposal for the commemoration of the event and it would be shortly sent to the central government.

Describing the 400th Prakash Purb, scheduled to take place in April 2021, as a fortunate occasion for all, Amarinder said Guru Teg Bahadur occupies a special place in the country's history.

He had sacrificed his life to uphold the principles of religious freedom and amity and was, therefore, rightfully called as "Hind ki Chaadar", he added.

The state has already decided to commemorate the 400th birth anniversary on April 18, 2021, with year-long celebrations beginning April 12 this year.