Ayodhya: The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has appointed retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra as its first full-time Chief Executive Officer (CEO), marking a major shift towards a more professional administrative structure for the Ayodhya Ram Mandir. Mishra previously headed the Indian Air Force’s Western Air Command and was at the helm during Operation Sindoor.
The decision was taken at a Trust meeting in Ayodhya. Mishra was selected after an extensive recruitment process involving 5,585 applications, which were eventually narrowed to a shortlist of three candidates.
Military Leadership Comes to Ram Mandir Administration
Mishra brings nearly four decades of experience in the Indian Air Force to the new position. He was commissioned as a fighter pilot in December 1986 and went on to hold several senior command and operational appointments. He also served as Deputy Chief of the Integrated Defence Staff (Operations).
As Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Air Command, Mishra led the strategically important command during Operation Sindoor. He retired from the Air Force earlier in 2026. His career included more than 3,000 flying hours across more than 18 types of aircraft.
The Trust is expected to benefit from his experience in organisational management, operational planning, coordination between agencies and administration as the temple complex expands its day-to-day activities.
Govind Dev Giri Takes Charge as General Secretary
As part of the wider organisational restructuring, Swami Govind Dev Giri has been appointed the Trust’s full-time General Secretary, according to reports. The changes follow the departure of former general secretary Champat Rai amid controversy surrounding alleged irregularities in temple donations.
The Trust has also appointed three new members — Mahesh Bhagchandka, Madan Mohan Pandey and Nirmala Yadav — further reshaping its administrative structure.
A New Administrative Phase
The appointment of a dedicated CEO comes as the Ram Mandir moves towards managing increasingly complex operations involving devotees, security, staff, visitor facilities, infrastructure and coordination with government agencies.
Mishra’s appointment therefore represents more than a change of personnel: it signals an effort to bring structured, professional management to one of India’s most prominent religious institutions.
