Gold Medal conferred on Sabina Yasmin

July 28 marked the launching of the “Feroza Begum Commemorative Gold Medal 2016,” a music award named after the legendary singer on her birthday. The award was conferred on noted singer Sabina Yasmin. The event, held at the Senate Building of University of Dhaka, was jointly organised by the university's “Feroza Begum Memorial Gold Medal Trust Fund” and Department of Music. 

Following cultural performances by the students of the Department of Music and Department of Dance, the award was presented to Sabina Yasmin, and honourary award was conferred on Partha Pratim Mitra who had excelled academically last year and a visually impaired student. The noted singer harked back to her memories of the late artiste; saying, “I can still remember how wonderfully she performed even at an advanced age! I wonder if I will ever be able to do so”.

The sponsor of the trust fund as well as chairperson of ACI Foundation M. Anis Ud Dowla said, “This event will mark a new level of excellence and the gold medal shall be awarded to deserving students. Feroza Begum is no longer with us, but she lives on in our hearts. So in her honour, as well as all other artistes in the country, who symbolise the Bengali spirit and have a love for our music, we hope to recognise them through this award.”

Vice Chancellor Professor AAMS Arefin Siddique lauded the late artiste's distinction within the national, as well as canonical musical history in Bangladesh, remarking, “There is hardly any Bangalee who will not be able to recognise her renditions and compositions.  She will continue to live on in everyone's hearts for generations to come.”

Among others, Professor Dr. Begum Akhtar Kamal, Dean of Faculty of Arts; Professor Rezwana Chowdhury Bonnya, Chairperson of Dance Department; Dr. Leena Tapashi Khan, Chairperson of Music Department, and family members of Feroza Begum were present at the event. Professor Nasreen Ahmad, Pro Vice Chancellor of the university, presided over the ceremony.