New Ram Mandir Trust CEO is Air Force veteran honoured for Op Sindoor service

Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra, who led the Western Air Command during Operation Sindoor, has been appointed the first CEO of the Ram Janmabhoomi Trust. A decorated IAF officer with nearly 40 years of service, Mishra's appointment comes amid donation theft allegations and scrutiny of the Trust's financial management.Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra (retd) with PM Modi at the Adampur air stationFrom successfully leading the Western Air Command during Operation Sindoor to now taking the reins of the Ram Janmabhoomi Trust as the first CEO of the influential body, Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra has been given charge.Known for his management and discipline skills throughout his 39-year tenure with the Indian Air Force, Mishra's appointment comes at a time when the Trust has been rocked by allegations of donation theft, with its overall financial management also coming under scrutiny. The controversy eventually led to eight arrests and three officials, including former Trust general secretary Champat Rai, stepping down from their posts.Belonging to Uttar Pradesh, Mishra comes from Bhopatpura village in the Bhatpar Rani police station area of Deoria district.Mishra, who played an important role in Operation Sindoor, served as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Air Force's Western Air Command. He will now oversee the functioning of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and work to make its administration efficient, streamlined and convenient for devotees. Mishra retired in April 2026 after nearly 40 years of service in the Indian Air Force. He was commissioned into the IAF as a fighter pilot on December 6, 1986.He has more than 3,000 hours of flying experience and has flown more than 18 types of fighter aircraft, transport aircraft and helicopters. During his career, Mishra served as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Air Command. He also served as Deputy Chief (Operations) and Deputy Chief (Doctrine, Organisation & Training) at the Integrated Defence Staff.Mishra served as Commandant and Chief Test Pilot of the Aircraft & Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE).During the Kargil War, he was part of the team that operationalised laser-guided bombs on the Mirage-2000.He also led the Indian Air Force contingent at Garuda-IV, a multinational air exercise in France.For distinguished military service, Mishra was awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM). He was awarded the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal (SYSM) in 2025 for his role in Operation Sindoor.Now, Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra will take charge of the administration of the Ram Temple Trust, bringing his experience in the Air Force and military discipline to the role.From an Air Force warrior to the CEO of the Ram Temple Trust, Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra now holds the reins of Ram Temple administration.- EndsPublished By: Sayan GangulyPublished On: Sep 2, 2026 17:44 IST