Ayodhya: The Ram Temple Trust in Ayodhya has appointed retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra as its first Chief Executive Officer, bringing a highly experienced former Indian Air Force commander into the temple’s administrative leadership.
Mishra was selected from 5,585 applications received for the newly created post. His appointment comes as the trust undertakes a major restructuring aimed at strengthening its management, financial oversight and accountability following a controversy involving the alleged theft of temple donations.
Three new members have also been inducted into the trust. They are Madan Mohan Pandey from Ayodhya, Mahesh Bhagchandka from Delhi and Nirmala Yadav from Shikohabad.
Eight people, most of them associated with the process of counting donations, have been arrested in connection with the alleged theft case. The controversy also resulted in the resignation of trust general secretary Champat Rai.
How Mishra Was Selected
The selection process was conducted by a panel headed by retired judge Pramod Kohli, along with retired Lieutenant General Vishnukant Chaturvedi and former scientist Suresh Haware.
Candidates were assessed using a 600-mark evaluation framework covering leadership, management capabilities, integrity, institutional experience and long-term vision. Sixteen shortlisted candidates appeared for final interviews in Ayodhya on August 11 and 12.
Mishra, who was commissioned into the IAF as a fighter pilot in December 1986, retired in May 2026 after more than 38 years of service. He is a graduate of the National Defence Academy and also trained at the Air Force Test Pilots School, Air Command and Staff College in the United States and the Royal College of Defence Studies in the United Kingdom.
During his military career, Mishra held several senior operational and command positions. He served as Western Air Command chief during Operation Sindoor and also held key appointments involving operational planning, doctrine, training and aircraft testing.
His career included assignments as a fighter squadron commander, Chief Test Pilot at the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment, commander of frontline air bases and Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff.
Mishra has been decorated with the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal for distinguished service.
His appointment is expected to bring a structured, institutional approach to the administration of one of India’s most prominent religious institutions.
