Ayodhya, Sep 3: Retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra arrived in Ayodhya on Thursday to begin his new role as the first Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which oversees the management and operations of the Ram temple.
Mishra, who previously headed the Indian Air Force’s Western Air Command, said he felt deeply grateful for the opportunity and considered his appointment a matter of great fortune. He said his first priority would be to understand the organisation and its existing systems before deciding on future plans.
The 62-year-old former Air Force officer was appointed to the post on Wednesday following a selection process that received 5,585 applications. He was chosen from a final shortlist of three candidates.
Mishra retired as head of the Western Air Command on April 30, 2026. During his military career, he also played a leadership role during Operation Sindoor.
After reaching Ayodhya, Mishra said his familiarity with Uttar Pradesh and regular visits to places such as Deoria, Gorakhpur and Varanasi would help him understand the region and its development. He said Ayodhya was also moving forward as part of the wider development taking place across Uttar Pradesh and the country.
His appointment comes as the temple trust strengthens its administrative structure and focuses on improving the management of the temple and services for devotees.
The new CEO is expected to play a key role in streamlining the trust’s administrative operations and coordinating its expanding responsibilities as visitor numbers and activities around the Ram temple continue to grow.
