Former Western Air Command Chief and Operation Sindoor Veteran Chosen to Lead Administration of Ayodhya’s Ram Temple Trust
Summary
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has appointed retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra as its first Chief Executive Officer, marking a major step towards professionalizing the administration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
The decision was taken at a Trust meeting in Ayodhya on September 2. Mishra, a former senior Indian Air Force commander who served as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Air Command, was selected following a large-scale recruitment process involving thousands of applicants.
First Full-Time CEO for the Trust
Mishra’s appointment creates a dedicated top executive position responsible for overseeing the Trust’s growing administrative and operational responsibilities.
Reports said the selection process attracted 5,585 applications, with candidates screened through multiple stages before the final selection. The Trust is expected to define and strengthen the CEO’s administrative role as the Ram Temple complex continues to expand its operations.
Experienced Military Leader
Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra brings nearly four decades of experience from the Indian Air Force.
He previously served as the head of the Western Air Command and played a senior leadership role during Operation Sindoor. Mishra retired from active military service in 2026 and has received several military honours during his career.
His experience in managing large organizations and complex operations is expected to be central to his new role at the Trust.
Major Administrative Changes Announced
The appointment of the first CEO was part of a wider administrative restructuring within the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
The Trust also appointed Govind Dev Giri as its new general secretary and Mahesh Bhagchandka as treasurer, while additional trustees were named during the Ayodhya meeting.
The changes come as the Trust seeks to strengthen its administrative and financial systems following recent controversy involving alleged irregularities in temple donations.
Focus on Professional Administration
The creation of a full-time CEO position reflects the growing scale of the Ram Temple’s operations.
The CEO is expected to oversee key administrative functions and operational responsibilities related to the Trust and the wider temple complex. The move is seen as an effort to bring more structured management to one of India’s most prominent religious institutions.
Conclusion
The appointment of retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra as the first CEO of the Ram Temple Trust marks an important new phase in the administration of the Ayodhya temple.
With decades of leadership experience in the Indian Air Force, Mishra will now take on the responsibility of helping manage and strengthen the Trust’s expanding operations. The wider restructuring of senior positions also signals a renewed focus on administration, accountability and the long-term management of the Ram Temple complex.