New Delhi: Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra (retired), who headed the Indian Air Force’s Western Air Command during Operation Sindoor, has been appointed the first full-time chief executive officer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which oversees the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The trust selected AM Mishra from a final panel of three candidates after its search committee screened 5,585 applications through multiple stages of evaluation and interviews.
The appointment was made at a trust meeting in Ayodhya on Wednesday. The selection comes as the trust moves to establish a dedicated executive structure for the temple’s administration and day-to-day functioning.
AM Mishra retired from the Indian Air Force on April 30, 2026, as air officer commanding in chief (AOC-in-C) of the Western Air Command. He had served in the Air Force for nearly four decades and had earlier held the position of deputy chief of integrated defence staff (Operations).
Speaking to ANI after his appointment, AM Mishra said “I consider this a great fortune that they chose me from so many candidates. I also consider this the blessings of Lord Ram that after 43 years of service to the nation in the Air Force, He has given me the opportunity to serve Sri Ram Mandir and Sri Ram bhakts (devotees).”
The selection process was conducted by a three-member committee comprising Justice Pramod Kohli, Lieutenant General Vishnukant Chaturvedi and nuclear scientist Dr Suresh Haware. The committee submitted its final report to the trust on September 1 after examining thousands of applications and recommending a final panel of three candidates.
The process included eligibility screening, online interactions and face-to-face assessments in Ayodhya.
Of the 5,585 applications received, 1,580 candidates were found eligible and suitable, 108 were taken through online interactions and 16 finalists were called for in-person interactions before the panel was narrowed to three candidates.
AM Mishra took charge of the Western Air Command on January 1, 2025, and remained its chief during Operation Sindoor in May 2025. During his tenure he also command of a fighter squadron, service as chief test pilot at the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment and a stint as deputy chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations).
During the Kargil conflict, AM Mishra was part of the team involved in operationalising laser-guided bombs for the Mirage 2000, which were subsequently used in strikes on targets including Tiger Hill. He was later awarded the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal for his role during Operation Sindoor.
As CEO, AM Mishra will be responsible for strengthening the trust’s administrative systems, procedures and organisational structure. His responsibilities will also include ensuring efficient management of the trust’s activities and compliance with statutory, regulatory and trust Deed requirements.
The appointment follows scrutiny of the trust’s administration amid allegations of irregularities involving temple donations. The controversy had led to arrests and the resignation of senior office-bearers, increasing pressure for stronger administrative and financial oversight.
The trust’s also appointed Mahesh Bhagchandka, Madan Mohan Pandey and Dr Nirmala Yadav as new trustees. The changes form part of a broader restructuring of the trust’s leadership and administration.