Retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra Named Ram Temple Trust CEO, 3 New Trustees Appointed
Former Air Marshal appointed Ram Temple Trust’s first CEO.
The Ayodhya Ram Temple Trust has appointed Air Marshal (Retired) Jeetendra Mishra as its first chief executive officer, while also adding three new members as part of a broader restructuring of the institution. Mishra, a former Indian Air Force fighter pilot and senior commander, was selected from 5,585 applicants for the newly created position.
Mishra was commissioned into the Indian Air Force as a fighter pilot in December 1986 and retired in May 2026 after more than 38 years of service. During his career, he held several senior command and operational positions, including leadership of the IAF’s Western Command during Operation Sindoor. His appointment comes with the trust seeking to strengthen temple administration, management systems and financial accountability.
The three new members inducted into the trust are Madan Mohan Pandey from Ayodhya, Mahesh Bhagchandka from Delhi and Nirmala Yadav from Shikohabad. The changes follow a donation theft controversy at the temple, in which eight people, mostly linked to the handling and counting of donations, have been arrested. Trust general secretary Champat Rai also resigned following the controversy.
Also Read: 3 New Trustees Join Ram Temple Trust As First CEO Appointment Nears
Mishra’s selection followed a structured process overseen by a search panel headed by retired judge Pramod Kohli. The panel also included retired Lieutenant General Vishnukant Chaturvedi and former scientist Suresh Haware. Applicants were assessed under a 600-mark framework, with 16 shortlisted candidates appearing for final interviews in Ayodhya on August 11 and 12.
A trust official informed PTI that three highly qualified professionals were recommended after assessment on institutional leadership, management expertise, integrity and vision. Mishra emerged as the final choice after being evaluated against the requirements of managing an institution with national and international significance.
Mishra is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy in Pune, the Air Force Test Pilots School in Bengaluru, the Air Command and Staff College in the United States and the Royal College of Defence Studies in the United Kingdom. His previous assignments included Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations), Chief Test Pilot at the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment, command of frontline air bases and leadership positions involving operational planning, doctrine, organisation and training. His military service was recognised with honours including the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal.
Also Read: Priyanka Gandhi Attacks BJP Over Ram Temple Politics, Questions ‘State Subject’ Claim
