Ayodhya, September 2 (TNA) Retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra, who led the Indian Air Force’s Western Air Command during Operation Sindoor, was named the new Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on Wednesday. He will be the first full-time CEO of the Trust that manages the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
Mishra’s selection was finalised after a search committee shortlisted three candidates. The Trust’s move to appoint a full-time CEO is expected to strengthen the temple’s long-term administrative structure, including coordination of security, finances, donor management, pilgrim facilities and other operational matters.
The retired Air Marshal brings nearly four decades of service in the Indian Air Force to the role. He took over as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Air Command in January 2025 and led one of the IAF’s most crucial operational commands during Operation Sindoor.
Operation Sindoor was launched in May 2025 following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Mishra has said that, as the head of Western Air Command, he began air-operational preparations immediately after the attack and informed the Chief of Air Staff by around 9 pm on April 22 that he was ready with his plan.
During the operation, the Western Air Command under his command played an important role in action against Pakistani military infrastructure, including radar facilities, command-and-control nodes, air-defence systems and other strategic targets. Mishra has said the Indian response significantly restricted Pakistan’s ability to conduct counter-air operations.
Mishra was awarded the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal, India’s highest wartime distinguished-service award, for his leadership during Operation Sindoor, according to reports. The appointment comes as the Trust seeks a more professional and institutional framework for managing the expanding administrative, security and pilgrim-related requirements of the Ram temple.