In a significant move aimed at strengthening the administrative machinery of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra is set to take charge as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
Mishra brings with him decades of experience in leadership, administration and strategic management from his distinguished career in the Indian Air Force. He served as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the IAF’s Western Air Command from January 2025 until his retirement in April 2026.
Mishra’s appointment comes at a time when the Ram Temple complex is rapidly expanding, and the Trust is dealing with increasingly complex administrative responsibilities. The temple, the one Hindus fought for five centuries, has emerged as India’s most prominent religious destination, attracting huge numbers of devotees from across the country and abroad.
The Trust had been considering the creation of a dedicated CEO position to streamline its administrative functioning.
The decision to bring in a retired senior military officer signals an emphasis on professional management, discipline and efficient coordination. Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra’s background includes senior command responsibilities as well as experience in defence planning and operations. He also played a prominent role during Operation Sindoor and was awarded the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal for his service.
The CEO is expected to oversee the Trust’s growing administrative requirements, including coordination among different departments, management of personnel and implementation of decisions taken by the Trust.
The move also comes amid discussions about strengthening transparency and administrative controls following controversies surrounding temple donations and offerings. Trust officials had earlier indicated that a CEO would be authorised to appoint staff and help establish a more structured administrative system under the Trust’s supervision.
For Ayodhya, the appointment marks another step in the transformation of the Ram Janmabhoomi complex into a large-scale religious and cultural institution. With millions of devotees expected to visit in the coming years, efficient management will be crucial.
The choice of a decorated former Air Marshal therefore represents more than just a change in personnel; it reflects the Trust’s continuous attempt to bring professional, disciplined and institutionalised administration to one of India’s most important religious centres.
