Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust: The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on Wednesday appointed Retd Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ram temple. The Ram Mandir Trust also named three new trustees: Delhi-based Mahesh Bhagchandka, Ayodhya resident Madan Mohan Pandey, and Nirmala Yadav from Shikohabad.
Blessings Of Lord Ram: Air Marshal Mishra
Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra (Retd) said he considered this a great fortune and blessing of Lord Ram. "I'm lucky 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," he added.
Who Is Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra?
Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra became the first CEO of the Ram Temple Trust in Ayodhya. He has previously served as the chief of the Western Command of the Air Force. Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra has been the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Air Command of the Indian Air Force. The Air Marshal retired from the Indian Air Force in April 2026. He also held important military responsibilities during Operation Sindoor.
Earlier, the selection committee submitted a panel of three candidates for the CEO post to the Trust on Tuesday.
The three vacant positions were filled at a meeting of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust held at Mani Ram Das Ji's camp in the presence of Trust president Mahanth Nritya Gopal Das, Treasurer Govinddev Giri, Interim General Secretary Krishna Mohan, and Mahanth Dinendra Das.
The Trust, which held a meeting in Ayodhya in the wake of the controversy over the alleged embezzlement of temple donations that led to the arrest of eight people and the resignation of Champat Rai as general secretary, finalised the three names for the vacant posts.
New Trustees Replace Champat Rai, Rajesh Mishra
The new trustees replaced Champat Rai, Anil Mishra, and the late Vimlendra Mohan Mishra. Nirmala Yadav of Shikohabad has been involved in the VHP's fund donation campaign.
Major Reshuffle In Administration
A major administrative reshuffle was carried out in the crucial meeting. Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust's interim general secretary Krishna Mohan discontinued his position; Maharaj Govinddev Giri will be the new General Secretary in place of Champat Rai, and Mahesh Bhagchandka will be the new Treasurer.
Bhagchandka Is Relative Of Former Vishwa Hindu Parishad President Ashok Singhal
Mahesh Bhagchandka is a relative of Ashok Singhal, the former president of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad. He runs the Ashok Singhal Foundation. Bhagchandka was named the chief host during the 2020 Ram Temple groundbreaking ceremony. He was also present with his family for the 2024 Pran-Pratishtha ceremony.
ALSO READ: Ram Mandir Donation Theft: SIT Gives Clean Chit To Champat Rai, Names Anil Mishra In Final Report
Madan Mohan Pandey Is Associated With The Legal Team Of The Ram Temple
Madan Mohan Pandey, a resident of Ayodhya, is a renowned lawyer who has been associated with the legal team of the Ram Temple. After the formation of the Yogi government, the state government also appointed him as Additional Advocate General in the High Court.
Meanwhile, the CEO selection process combined AI-enabled screening with manual assessment. A 600-mark evaluation framework was used to scrutinise applications, with 3,577 candidates participating in the initial assessment. Candidates scoring 470 marks or above were shortlisted, leading to virtual interactions with 108 applicants and final interviews of 16 candidates in Ayodhya on August 11 and 12.
The meeting is also expected to consider amendments to the Trust deed to clearly define the CEO's powers and responsibilities, institutionalise the new administrative structure and streamline coordination with various Trust committees.
(With Jagran.com Inputs)