File photo: Air Marshal (Retd) Jeetendra Mishra
Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra (retd) on Friday said the responsibility of the Ram temple was now on his shoulders after taking charge as the first chief executive officer (CEO) of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. “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 his two-day visit to Ayodhya. Mishra, who headed the Western Air Command during Operation Sindoor, was appointed the first CEO of the temple trust on Wednesday. The trust also appointed Govind Dev Giri as general secretary, Mahesh Bhagchandka as treasurer, and inducted Madan Mohan Pandey and Nirmala Yadav as trustees.
First visit focused on understanding temple operations
During his first visit to Ayodhya as the trust's CEO, Mishra said his immediate focus was on familiarising himself with the functioning of the temple and the trust. “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. “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,” he added. Mishra also said he would move forward with the guidance and cooperation of the trust once he had gained a better understanding of the entire system. He said, “Right now I am trying to learn about the entire system myself. Once I understand everything, I will take orders and guidance from the Trust. With the cooperation of our team, we will move forward.” During his visit, trust members briefed Mishra on its administrative and financial operations, including accounting procedures. He also held meetings with members and office-bearers and inquired about the functioning of both the trust and the temple.
Selected after 5,585 applications
The 62-year-old retired as head of the Western Air Command on April 30. He was selected from a shortlist of three candidates after 5,585 applications were received for the post. Mishra has 39 years of experience in various branches of the Indian Air Force and has been awarded the Uttam Yuddh Seva Medal. He had earlier described himself as “the most fortunate person” to have been given vital responsibilities twice in his life, once to serve the nation and now to serve Lord Ram and his devotees. “I consider myself the most fortunate person today to have been given vital responsibilities twice in my life -- once for national service and now for the organisation and administration of Shri Ram's temple and for Shri Ram's devotees,” he had said.
Administrative overhaul at Ram temple trust
Mishra's appointment comes amid a wider administrative overhaul by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust following the controversy over alleged embezzlement of temple donations, which led to the arrest of eight people and the resignation of Champat Rai as its general secretary.
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Sources said the restructuring is aimed at strengthening the trust's administrative and financial systems as the temple's operations expand. The trust is expected to frame standard operating procedures for the CEO in the coming days, detailing his duties and responsibilities. The CEO is expected to oversee the implementation of the trust's policies and day-to-day administrative functioning, while major policy decisions and key financial matters will remain with the trustees.
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