‘Forever remembered, forever missed’: Gulbarga bids tearful adieu to Dr. Sharanbasappa, Dr. Khusro Hussaini

Hyderabad: Gulbarga mourns the loss of Dr. Sharanbasappa Appa and Dr. Syed Shah Khusro Hussain, whose lives shaped its very soul.

In less than a year, the city has bid farewell to visionaries from diverse faiths, united in their purpose: uplifting lives through education, service, and harmony. Their passing leaves not just grief, but also a profound duty to continue their work.

The Teacher-Pontiff

On August 14, 2025, Dr. Sharanbasappa Appa, eighth pontiff of the Sharanabasaveshwar Samsthan and Chancellor of Sharanbasaveshwar University, passed away at the age of 90. A lifelong champion of Dasohabhava — `service above self' — he built schools, colleges, hospitals, and one of Karnataka’s youngest private universities, blending spiritual wisdom with modern learning.

"His remarkable life and service and visionary leadership have left an enduring legacy in our region and will remain an inspiration for generations, " said Dr. Syed Mustafa Al Hussaini.

The Sufi Scholar

On November 6, 2024, Gulbarga had also lost Dr. Syed Shah Khusro Hussaini, 79, custodian of the Dargah Khwaja Banda Nawaz and founding Chancellor of Khaja Bandanawaz University. A respected Sufi guide, he expanded education, fostered interfaith harmony, and opened his doors to anyone in need.

Two Paths, One Vision

Though rooted in different traditions, both men shared a single mission — to build a compassionate, united, and educated society. Their institutions, spiritual and academic, stand as living testimonies to that vision.

Their passing marks not just the loss of two leaders, but the closing of a chapter in Gulbarga’s history — and the beginning of a collective responsibility to keep their light burning.

(Dr. Haseeb Jafferi, a descendant of Salabath Jung of the Nizam dynasty, is an esteemed speaker, experiential educator, and cultural curator deeply immersed in Hyderabadi tahzeeb, heritage, and Sufism. Through Sufi Trails (@sufi_trails), he designs immersive experiences such as city trails, dawaths, and storytelling baithaks, celebrating the Deccan’s rich legacy. His captivating talk on Adaab e Paandan at the Hyderabad Literary Festival brought Hyderabadi etiquette vividly to life. A corporate trainer with a Ph.D. and diplomas in experiential education and leadership, Dr. Jafferi seamlessly blends scholarship with cultural preservation.)