Sixteen months after Operation Sindoor, the officer who commanded India’s western air operations has been chosen for a very different responsibility. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has selected Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra as the first Chief Executive Officer of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
Speaking to TOI, Mishra said, “I came to know about my appointment via news; I’m yet to receive official communication from the trust.” The decorated former Indian Air Force commander retired in April 2026 and will now oversee the temple Trust’s expanding administrative responsibilities.
Mishra was the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Air Force’s Western Air Command when Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, 2025, in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. Much of the air operations in four days were directed from the command rooms of the Western Air Command, one of the Air Force’s most important operational formations.
Mishra oversaw decisions linked to the deployment of aircraft and air defence assets during the military response. He was among the senior military commanders recognised for leadership during Operation Sindoor. President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal on him in recognition of his distinguished service during the operation.
Mishra’s appointment brings to the Trust a senior leader with extensive experience in operational planning, coordination, logistics and managing large formations. Mishra has roots in Uttar Pradesh. He is originally from Bhopatpura in Deoria district, about three hours by road from Ayodhya.
Mishra joined the National Defence Academy in 1983 and was commissioned as a fighter pilot in December 1986. He later qualified as an experimental test pilot, one of the most specialised roles in military aviation. During his career, he served as chief test pilot of both the Indian Air Force and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
The Trust’s CEO selection process began with 5,585 applications. The selection committee, headed by retired Justice Permod Kohli and comprising Lieutenant General V.K. Chaturvedi and nuclear scientist Dr Suresh Haware, conducted technology-assisted screening, verification and online assessments.
The field was eventually narrowed to 16 candidates, who were interviewed in Ayodhya on August 11 and 12. A panel of three names was submitted to the Trust on September 1, following which Mishra was selected.
Uttar Pradesh: Retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra, Operation Sindoor Western Air Command chief, appointed first CEO of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust; selected from 5,585 applications by committee headed by Justice Permod Kohli; Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal recipient; originally from Deoria district, UP; will oversee temple administration, pilgrim facilities, financial arrangements.
When a warrior trades cockpit for temple, even command becomes service. Follow Dharmic News for more updates on temple affairs and Hindu community issues.
