Dhaka Club yesterday gave 'Lifetime Achievement Award' to the renowned cultural personality, Tagore artiste and also member of Dhaka Club Kalim Sharafi at a function for his outstanding contribution to music.

Kalim Sharafi is also the recipient of the Ekushey Padak and Swadhinata Padak for his great contribution in the cultural field.

The function was held at the Dhaka Club Auditorium to celebrate the 97th foundation anniversary of the club.

Sadat Hossain Salim, President of Dhaka Club and Khalid Hassan, Director of Grameen Phone, handed over the award to Kalim Sharafi.

After receiving the award, Kalim Sharafi said, "I am glad to receive the award from an old and prestigious club. Dhaka Club has progressed a long distance."

Sadat Salim said, "It is our great privilege to honour Kalim Sharafi for the service that he rendered to the club as a member and one of the oldest members of the Executive Committee and to the nation as a great exponent and performer of Tagore songs. He has become an icon in the world of Tagore songs. He made the nation and the Dhaka Club proud through his achievements."

Dhaka Club also handed over the award of 'The Club Legend' to 22 elderly members of the club who have enriched the club with their close association for more than four decades.

The 'Award of Excellence' was also given to 14 members who have rendered remarkable service to the club in various fields that including club attendance, cricket, golf, tennis, snooker, squash, health centre and swimming.

Noted cultural personality and drama activist Ramendu Majumder moderated the programme. Eminent litterateur Syed Shamsul Haque recited two Tagore's poems.

After the award ceremony, noted Tagore artistes Rezwana Chowdhury Bannya and Sadi Mohammad rendered Tagore songs.

Former presidents of the club, club members, their spouses and invited guests were present at the function.

Earlier, the club president and the members of the Executive Committee released 97 colourful balloons yesterday afternoon and the Club took a festive look.