Retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra, who led Western Air Command during Operation Sindoor, has been appointed the Ram Temple Trust’s first CEO.
Ayodhya: Retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra, who headed the Indian Air Force’s Western Air Command during Operation Sindoor, has been appointed the first full-time chief executive officer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
The appointment was approved during a Trust meeting held in Ayodhya on September 2. Mishra will oversee the Ram Temple’s day-to-day administration as the Trust works to formalise its management structure and strengthen financial and operational oversight.
Selected from 5,585 applications
The Trust received 5,585 applications for the newly created position. A three-member selection committee evaluated the applicants using a 600-mark assessment system.
The panel was headed by retired judge Pramod Kohli and included retired Lieutenant General Vishnukant Chaturvedi and former nuclear scientist Suresh Haware. After online interactions and interviews, the panel submitted a shortlist of three candidates, from which Mishra was selected.
Sixteen finalists had attended in-person interviews in Ayodhya on August 11 and 12. The assessment reportedly considered institutional leadership, administrative experience, integrity and the ability to manage an organisation of national and international importance.
Who is Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra?
Mishra was commissioned into the Indian Air Force’s fighter stream on December 6, 1986. During a career spanning nearly four decades, he served as a fighter combat leader and experimental test pilot and accumulated more than 3,000 flying hours.
His major assignments included commanding a fighter squadron, serving as chief test pilot at the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment and commanding two frontline air bases. He also held senior positions in the Integrated Defence Staff.
Mishra was the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Western Air Command when India launched Operation Sindoor in May 2025. He was subsequently awarded the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal for his role in the operation.
After his appointment, Mishra said he considered the responsibility a blessing from Lord Ram and another opportunity to serve the country and devotees.
Trust announces wider leadership changes
The Trust also appointed Swami Govind Dev Giri as general secretary and Mahesh Bhagchandka as treasurer.
Three new trustees were inducted: Bhagchandka, former Uttar Pradesh Additional Advocate General Madan Mohan Pandey and retired college principal Dr Nirmala Yadav. Yadav becomes the Trust’s first woman member.
The appointments form part of a wider administrative restructuring intended to separate routine executive functions from the Trust board’s policy-making responsibilities. A standard operating procedure defining the CEO’s authority and duties is expected to be prepared.
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