Sita Kadam-Zope

Calling & Heritage

Early Life

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Sita Kadam-Zope's journey as a performer began very early. Making her first stage appearance at the age of just seven, she demonstrated from the very outset a natural affinity for acting, dance, classical movement, music and expression that would define her life's work.

Raised in a culturally rich environment with deep spiritual roots, Sita's formative years were shaped by an abiding connection to the Jagannath tradition — the Lord of the Universe whose worship forms the very soul of Odissi's sacred origins.

Her spiritual path was further illuminated by the teachings and inspiration of His Holiness Radhanath Swami Maharaj, whose vision of devotional art as a path to divine consciousness deeply influenced her approach to Odissi.

Academic & Classical Foundation

Education & Credentials

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Sita holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and English from the University of Mumbai and a Master's degree in Astrology, bringing together a unique blend of psychological insight and astrological wisdom in her approach to counseling. Drawing from both disciplines, she offers holistic guidance that nurtures emotional well-being and personal growth. She is also the co-author of From Hurt to Harmony, written alongside her father, Mr. Rajesh Kadam, reflecting their shared vision of healing and transformation.

A dedicated Odissi dancer and educator, Sita's artistic excellence was recognized early in her journey when she earned a distinction in the prestigious Nritya Visharad examinations conducted by Gandharva Mahavidyalaya. She received rigorous training under the guidance of renowned Gurus Sri Sanatan Chakravarty and Guru Jhelum Paranjape, laying the foundation for a career in classical dance.

Today, Sita is a registered Odissi dance teacher at the ABGMV School of Performing Arts, where she is committed to preserving and passing on the rich traditions of this classical dance form while inspiring the next generation of artists.

Academics

Academic Degrees

B.A. — Psychology & English
University of Mumbai
M.A. — Astrology

Certification

Classical Certification

Nritya Visharad (Distinction)
Gandharva Mahavidyalaya

Author

Published Author

Co-author of From Hurt to Harmony
with Mr. Rajesh Kadam

Educator

Registered Educator

Registered Odissi Teacher
ABGMV School of Performing Arts

Sacred Transmission

Guru Parampara

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The unbroken lineage that flows through SITA's teaching — from master to disciple, across generations of devoted artists.

Grand Guru

Padma Vibhushan Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra

The father of modern Odissi. Rebuilt, systematised and revived modern Odissi in the 20th century.

Guru

Guru Jhelum Paranjape

Distinguished direct disciple of Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra, founder of Smitalay, carrying forward the pure classical legacy.

Guru

Guru Sanatan Chakravarty

Revered Odissi exponent trained under Guru Jhelum Paranjape, guiding numerous dancers across India and internationally.

Founder of SITA

Founder, SITA | Odissi Nritya Visharad

Trained disciple of both Guru Jhelum Paranjape and Guru Sanatan Chakravarty, carrying the torch of this sacred lineage to students globally through SITA, founded 2019.

On Stage & In the World

Artistic Journey & Achievements

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India Performances

Shanmukhananda Hall, Mumbai

One of Mumbai's most prestigious performance venues, where Sita graced the stage before a discerning classical arts audience.

Royal Opera House Mumbai

India's only surviving 19th-century opera house — a landmark performance setting of historic cultural significance.

Birla Matoshree Sabhagruha

An acclaimed Mumbai cultural venue hosting some of India's most esteemed classical arts events.

Veer Savarkar Auditorium

An iconic Mumbai performance space with a rich tradition of hosting classical dance and music.

Netherlands & International

Ins Blau Theatre, Netherlands

A prominent Dutch cultural venue showcasing international performing arts, where Sita brought the beauty of Odissi to European audiences.

Marriott Hotel, The Hague

An elegant performance in the heart of the Netherlands' international city, connecting Indian classical art with the diplomatic community.

World Forum, The Hague

One of the Netherlands' premier event venues, showcasing Odissi at an international platform.

India House, Netherlands

A cultural performance celebrating Indian heritage in the diplomatic heart of the Netherlands.

Moments from the Journey

76th Republic Day by the Indian Embassy, Den Haag — 26th Jan 2025

Birla Matoshree Sabhagruha, Mumbai — Jan 2026

Janmashtami Festival by Bhavyata Foundation, Ghatkopar — 2019

Royal Opera House Mumbai, Under Guidance of Guru Jhelum Paranjape — Jan 2020

Ruigoord, Amsterdam (The Baithak Lab)

Veer Savarkar Theatre, Dadar, Organised by Guru Sanatan Chakravarty

PM Modi's Address Event, World Forum, Den Haag

At Jio World Centre, Event by the Ambanis

Dam Square ISKCON Amsterdam Rath Yatra

Role of Sarala (Blind Woman), "Drushti Bhet" One Act Play, Utrecht — 2026

Featured on PM Modi's Social Media

Role of Sita Devi in "Viraha Leela" Drama, ISKCON Chowpatty Festival — 2019

View More Moments

Special Recognition

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Performance Before Prime Minister

Honoured to perform before Prime Minister Narendra Modi — a landmark recognition of artistic excellence.

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Ambassador Recognition

Appreciation received from Ambassador Tuhin Kumar for contributions to Indian cultural diplomacy.

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Hare Krishna TV

Featured appearances on Hare Krishna Television bringing Odissi to a wider devotional audience.

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Moorchonna Production

Lead role in the acclaimed Moorchonna production — a landmark in her performance career.

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Best Actress Award 2026

Recipient of the Best Actress Award — recognising artistic brilliance and expressive mastery on stage.

The Vision

Founding SITA — A Mission of Preservation

In 2019, Sita Kadam-Zope founded the Spiritual Institute of Traditional Arts with a clear and urgent mission: to ensure that the ancient, profound, and spiritually nourishing art of Odissi would be transmitted authentically to future generations — regardless of where in the world they lived.

SITA was born from the deep conviction that classical dance is not entertainment alone — it is a living spiritual practice, a vehicle of devotion, and a form of embodied prayer. Through structured curricula, international reach, and an uncompromising commitment to authenticity, SITA carries the Guru Parampara forward into the modern world.

Join the Journey