New CEO of Ram Temple Trust Holds Introductory Meeting in Ayodhya

Air Marshal (retd.) Jeetendra Mishra, the newly appointed chief executive officer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Kshetra trust, attended his first meeting with trust members and office-bearers in Ayodhya on Thursday. The meeting took place at the trust's office at Ramghat, where he was briefed on the trust's accounting and administrative arrangements.

Describing it as an introductory session, Mishra said he would take a few more days to fully understand his role and responsibilities. Trust General Secretary Govind Dev Giri confirmed that members had a formal introduction with the new CEO and that standard operating procedures outlining his duties would be prepared in the coming days.

Mishra, who arrived in Ayodhya from Delhi by flight on Thursday morning, visited the Ram temple to offer prayers. He is currently staying at the trust office and is expected to attend additional meetings later in the day.

The 62-year-old former Air Marshal, who headed the Western Air Command during Operation Sindoor, expressed gratitude to the selection committee and called his appointment a result of Lord Ram's blessings. He said he felt fortunate to have been entrusted with vital responsibilities twice in his life — first for national service and now for the organisation and administration of the temple and its devotees.

The appointment comes as part of a broader restructuring of the trust following allegations of embezzlement of donations, which led to the arrest of eight people and the resignation of former general secretary Champat Rai. On Wednesday, the trust appointed Govind Dev Giri as general secretary, Mahesh Bhagchandka as treasurer, and inducted new trustees, including Madan Mohan Pandey and Nirmala Yadav.

Earlier on Thursday, Giri met with Rai at Bharat Kuti in Karsevak Puram. Former trust member Anil Mishra and VHP representative Dinesh G were also present during the closed-door meeting, which lasted over an hour.