Archive · 3 Sep 2026
Retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra Named Ram Mandir Trust CEO
Jeetendra Mishra is a retired senior officer from the Indian Air Force.
He has been chosen as the first full-time CEO of the trust that manages the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
He retired in April 2026 after serving in the Air Force for more than 38 years.
He led the Western Air Command during Operation Sindoor in May 2025.
He received one of India’s rare military awards for his role in that operation.
During the Kargil War, he helped make laser-guided bombs ready for Mirage 2000 aircraft.
He also worked as a fighter pilot and test pilot.
In his new job, he will help manage the temple complex and its daily operations.
The appointment followed structural changes after a donation theft controversy, although the reports do not give an official explanation for his selection.
Retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra has been appointed the first full-time CEO of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
Mishra retired on April 30, 2026, after more than 38 years in the Indian Air Force.
He led the Western Air Command during Operation Sindoor in May 2025 and received the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal.
During the Kargil War, he helped operationalise laser-guided bombs on Mirage 2000 aircraft.
As CEO, he will oversee the trust’s administration, security, compliance and future development of the 70-acre temple complex.
- Who
- Air Marshal (Retired) Jeetendra Mishra.
- What
- He has been appointed the first full-time Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
- When
- The appointment was announced on September 2, 2026; Mishra retired on April 30, 2026.
- Where
- The trust oversees the Ram Mandir and its 70-acre complex in Ayodhya, India.
- Why
- The appointment was part of structural changes following a donation theft controversy; the reports do not state an official reason for selecting Mishra.
Supporters’ Case
Cautionary View
Relevant experience
Supporters’ Case
Supporters say Mishra’s experience in operational planning, logistics, procurement, testing and managing large military formations prepares him for the trust’s administrative responsibilities.
Cautionary View
The reports note that managing a religious trust and temple complex will involve a different working environment, colleagues and public pressures from those he experienced in the military.
Leadership and decision-making
Supporters’ Case
A course mate describes Mishra as highly intelligent, clear in expressing views, incisive in his thinking and strong in decision-making.
Cautionary View
His abilities and character will face unprecedented public scrutiny in a high-visibility civilian assignment, which the reports describe as a major new challenge.
Appointment context
Supporters’ Case
The trust’s structural changes and the creation of a full-time CEO role are presented as steps toward stronger daily administration, security and future development.
Cautionary View
The appointment came soon after a donation theft controversy, in which eight people were arrested and faced legal proceedings, placing the trust under added attention.
- New position
- First full-time CEO of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust
- Retirement
- Retired as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Western Air Command on April 30, 2026
- Air Force service
- More than 38 years
- Operation Sindoor
- Led Western Air Command during the May 2025 operation
- Military honours
- Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal in 2025, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2024 and Vishisht Seva Medal in 2013
- Flight experience
- More than 3,000 hours across over 18 types of fighter and transport aircraft and helicopters
- Selection process
- A three-member committee received 5,585 applications between July 11 and 18
Sources
Jeetendra Mishra: Kargil to Operation Sindoor, meet the new Ram Mandir CEO
Operation Sindoor Hero Air Marshal (Retd) Jeetendra Mishra Appointed as CEO of Ayodhya Ram Mandir
Why Air Marshal Mishra Is The Right Man For Ram Mandir Trust
