Retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra Appointed First CEO of Ayodhya Ram Temple Trust

AYODHYA: In a major restructuring move aimed at bringing professional administration and complete transparency to the shrine’s operations, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has appointed retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra as its first Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

The landmark decision was made during a high-powered Trust meeting in Ayodhya. The appointment comes following a nationwide search conducted by a specialized selection panel—comprising retired Supreme Court judge Justice Pramod Kohli, nuclear scientist Dr. Suresh Haware, and Lt. Gen. (retd) Vishnukant Chaturvedi—which evaluated 5,585 applications before shortlisting three final candidates.

Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra (retd) served in the Indian Air Force for 38 years, previously leading the Western Air Command during Operation Sindoor and holding key staff roles including Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff. A Kargil War veteran, he was awarded the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal (SYSM) for his operational leadership.

Originally hailing from Bhopatpura village in Deoria district, UP, Mishra brings administrative experience paired with cultural familiarity to the holy city.

As the executive head, CEO Mishra will oversee daily shrine administration, manage financial arrangements, streamline security protocols, facilitate large-scale pilgrim management, and ensure strict statutory compliance.

The appointment coincides with structural reforms within the Trust aimed at enhancing accountability following recent administrative shifts and the resignations of former officials.

Alongside the creation of the executive CEO position, the Trust is moving to induct new trustees to strengthen governance as the temple complex expands its infrastructure and pilgrim amenities. Trust officials noted that Mishra’s background in large-scale strategic planning, logistics, and disciplined execution makes him uniquely qualified to lead the shrine’s ongoing operations.