Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra (Retd) on Friday said the responsibility of the Ram temple was now on his shoulders, two days after the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust appointed him as its first chief executive officer.
“I have now taken charge as the CEO. The responsibility of the Ram temple has now come onto my shoulders,” Mishra told PTI Videos before leaving for Delhi after a two-day visit to Ayodhya.
Mishra, who headed the Western Air Command during Operation Sindoor, was appointed on Wednesday to oversee the management and operations of the Ayodhya temple.
His appointment is part of a wider administrative overhaul by the Trust following the controversy over the alleged embezzlement of temple donations. Eight people were arrested in connection with the case, while Champat Rai resigned as general secretary.
The Trust also appointed Govind Dev Giri as general secretary and Mahesh Bhagchandka as treasurer. Madan Mohan Pandey and Nirmala Yadav were inducted as trustees.
Mishra had earlier described himself as “the most fortunate person” to have been entrusted with important responsibilities twice in his life, first to serve the country and now to serve Lord Ram and his devotees.
MISHRA STUDIES TEMPLE OPERATIONS
Mishra said his first visit to Ayodhya as CEO was aimed at understanding the functioning of the temple and the Trust before drawing up plans.
“I have only been here for one day, so this was a preliminary introductory visit. I will come here again after two or three days,” he said.
During the visit, Trust members briefed him on administrative and financial operations, including accounting procedures. He also met trustees and office-bearers to understand their responsibilities and the temple’s daily functioning.
“This was an introductory visit, during which I got an introduction to the functioning of the temple. Gradually, as I learn more about it, we will formulate some plans,” Mishra said.
Sources said his appointment was intended to strengthen the Trust’s administrative and financial systems as the temple’s operations expand.
SELECTED FROM OVER 5,500 APPLICANTS
Mishra, 62, retired as the head of the Western Air Command on April 30, 2026.
He was selected from a shortlist of three candidates after the Trust received 5,585 applications for the newly created post.
The Trust is expected to frame standard operating procedures defining the CEO’s powers, duties and responsibilities in the coming days.
– Ends
Published By:
India Today Web Desk
Published On:
Sep 4, 2026 19:32 IST
