Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) expressed profound grief and sorrow over the demise of Abhinaya (Kemmu) Bakaya, former Principal of the Institute of Music & Fine Arts (IMFA), who passed away on May 23, 2026. She was the daughter of the late Padmashri Shri Moti Lal Kemmu, the eminent theatre personality and renowned cultural icon of Jammu & Kashmir.
Smt. Abhinaya Bakaya was widely admired and respected for her significant contribution to the fields of music, fine arts and cultural education. Recognized for her gracious personality, dedication and unwavering commitment to the promotion of art and culture, she earned immense respect and affection from students, colleagues and members of the cultural fraternity. Her demise has left a deep void in the artistic and literary circles of the region.
To pay homage to the departed soul, a condolence meeting was held at the Academy premises, where officers and officials of JKAACL gathered to offer rich tributes and observed a two-minute silence as a mark of respect. The participants fondly recalled her valuable contribution towards cultural and educational activities and remembered her as a noble, compassionate and inspiring personality.
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary JKAACL Harvinder Kour, expressed deep sorrow over the loss and conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. She prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to the family to bear this irreparable loss.
Among those who attended the condolence meeting were Dr. Javaid Rahi, Chief Editor Gojri, Sanjeev Gupta, Bhupinder Singh, Anil Tickoo, along with other officers and officials of the Academy, who expressed their sympathies and solidarity with the bereaved family.