Retired Air Marshal and Ram Mandir CEO Jeetendra Mishra arrives in Ayodhya, says 'Its Lord Ram’s Blessings’
Retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra arrived in Ayodhya on Thursday to take charge as the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, saying he considered himself fortunate to have been entrusted with two important responsibilities in his life — serving the nation and now serving Lord Ram and his devotees.
Mishra, who headed the Indian Air Force’s Western Air Command during Operation Sindoor, was appointed the first CEO of the Trust on Wednesday. The Trust oversees the management and operations of the Ram temple.
Speaking to reporters after arriving in Ayodhya, Mishra said his immediate priority would be to formally take charge and understand the organisation and its functioning before announcing his plans.
“I have reached Ayodhya for the first time after being given this new responsibility. Let me take charge and understand everything. I will tell you about all the planning after that,” the 62-year-old former Air Marshal said.
‘I Consider Myself the Most Fortunate Person’
Mishra expressed gratitude to the selection committee and the Trust for choosing him for the post, saying he viewed the appointment as a result of Lord Ram’s blessings.
“My heart is full of gratitude, and I consider myself the most fortunate person today to have been given vital responsibilities twice in my life — once for national service and now for the organisation and administration of Shri Ram’s temple and for Shri Ram’s devotees,” he said.
Mishra retired as the head of the Western Air Command on April 30, 2026.
His appointment followed a selection process that reportedly received 5,585 applications, with the final choice being made from a shortlist of three candidates.
Mishra Highlights Familiarity With Uttar Pradesh
The Air Force veteran also said he was familiar with developments in the region, pointing out that he belongs to Uttar Pradesh’s Deoria district and frequently travels to Gorakhpur and Varanasi.
“I am from this state and keep travelling to Deoria, Gorakhpur and Varanasi. Kashi is progressing, our state and our country are also progressing, and Ayodhya too is progressing in the same way,” Mishra said.
Appointment Comes Amid Trust’s Administrative Overhaul
The appointment of a CEO is part of a broader administrative restructuring by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
The move comes amid controversy over alleged embezzlement of temple donations. The case resulted in the arrest of eight people and the resignation of Champat Rai as the Trust’s general secretary. ALSO READ: “Is There a Hidden Truth Behind Operation Sindoor?”: Raashid Alvi Questions Retired Air Marshal’s Appointment as Ram Mandir Trust CEO
