‘Grateful to Lord Ram’: Retd Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra’s first reaction after being named Ayodhya temple’s first CEO | India News - Hindustan Times

**Retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra appointed first CEO of Ayodhya Ram‑Temple Trust**

New Delhi – The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra (SRJTK), the statutory body tasked with building and managing the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, announced on Tuesday that retired Air Marshal **Jeetendra Mishra** will be its first Chief Executive Officer. Speaking to reporters at the trust’s headquarters, Mishra said he was “grateful to Lord Ram” and that the appointment felt like “God’s order” and a “new chance to serve the nation.” He added that the role would allow him to bring his decades of defence‑service experience to the complex task of overseeing the temple’s construction, finances and day‑to‑day operations.

Mishra retired from the Indian Air Force after a 39‑year career that included stints as Vice Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations), Commandant of the National Defence Academy and Air Officer Commanding‑in‑Chief of the Eastern Air Command. Known for his reputation for disciplined administration and crisis management, he has been tasked with steering a trust that manages an estimated ₹2,500 crore of donations and assets. The CEO’s responsibilities will encompass coordinating the work of more than 30 contractors, ensuring transparent utilisation of funds, and liaising with government agencies, local authorities and the broader religious community.

The appointment comes amid heightened scrutiny of the temple’s funding and construction schedule. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav warned that “neither God nor people will forgive ‘Ram dhan ki chori’” if donor money is misused, echoing concerns raised by opposition parties and civil‑society groups. In contrast, senior officials of the ruling party hailed Mishra’s selection as a “professional and patriotic choice” that underscores the government’s commitment to a transparent, efficient building process. The trust’s board of trustees, which includes a woman professor, an Ayodhya‑based lawyer and a Delhi businessman, will work closely with Mishra to ensure that the project proceeds in line with both religious expectations and legal frameworks.