Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Tuesday (July 7, 2026) inaugurated the Syed Mohammad Gesu Daraz Research Academy, established on the premises of the Hazrat Khwaja Banda Nawaz Dargah in Kalaburagi, with an objective of preserving and promoting the rich literary and spiritual legacy of the revered Sufi saint.

The academy has been conceived to preserve, research and disseminate the life, teachings, literary works and rare manuscripts of Hazrat Khwaja Banda Nawaz, one of the most influential Sufi saints of the Deccan.

The concept of the academy was originally envisioned by the late Hazrat Syed Shah Mohammad Al-Hussaini, while sustained efforts to realise the project were later made by the late Hazrat Syed Shah Gesu Daraz Khusro Hussaini.

Following the inauguration, Hazrat Hafiz Syed Mohammad Ali Al-Hussaini and Academy Director Prof. Mohammad Mustafa Shariff briefed the Chief Minister on the institution’s objectives and ongoing activities. They explained that the academy aims to collect rare manuscripts and literary works of Hazrat Khwaja Banda Nawaz from different parts of the world, translate them into various languages and make them accessible to researchers, scholars and the general public.

The Chief Minister also toured the academy and viewed its collection of rare Arabic, Persian and Dakhni Urdu manuscripts, centuries-old handwritten documents and a rare handwritten copy of the Holy Quran inscribed on silk fabric. He was also apprised of the academy’s ongoing research and translation projects.

According to the academy, it currently preserves more than 500 rare manuscripts and over 30 original works authored by Hazrat Khwaja Banda Nawaz. Among the major projects being undertaken are the research and translation of classical Sufi texts, including Asmar-ul-Asrar, Sirr-e-Mohammadi, Maktubat-e-Banda Nawaz and the renowned Ma’arif-ul-Awarif.

Appreciating the academy’s efforts to preserve the region’s rich Sufi heritage, Mr. Shivakumar assured all possible support from the State Government for its future research and academic activities. He said the institution would play a significant role in preserving the Deccan’s Sufi tradition and carrying the message and teachings of Hazrat Khwaja Banda Nawaz to future generations.

Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwar, Health Minister U.T. Khader and others were present.