Ram Mandir Trust Appoints IAF Veteran Jeetendra Mishra as First CEO, Nirmala Yadav Becomes First Woman Trustee

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which manages the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, has appointed retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra as its first Chief Executive Officer (CEO). In another significant development, Dr Nirmala Yadav has been inducted into the Trust as its first woman trustee. The decisions were taken during a meeting of the Trust as it moves to strengthen the administrative structure overseeing the Ram Mandir and its growing operations in Ayodhya.

Jeetendra Mishra, a former senior Indian Air Force officer, brings extensive experience in military leadership and administration to the new position. He served in the IAF for several decades and held important operational responsibilities before retiring from service. His appointment as CEO is being seen as an effort to introduce a more structured and professional management system within the Trust.

Mishra's military career included senior command responsibilities, including his tenure with the Western Air Command. He was also associated with India's military planning and operations during Operation Sindoor in 2025. His experience in managing large organisations and coordinating complex operations is expected to be useful as the Ram Mandir Trust deals with increasing administrative responsibilities.

The appointment follows a formal selection process for the newly created CEO position. Reports said that thousands of applications were received from candidates across the country before the search committee shortlisted a smaller group for further consideration. Mishra was eventually selected for the post. The Trust has also made history with the appointment of Dr Nirmala Yadav as its first woman trustee. Yadav, a former college principal from Shikohabad, has a long background in education and administration. Her induction marks a notable change in the composition of the Trust's governing body.

Yadav has indicated that the convenience and safety of devotees would be among the areas receiving attention under the new administrative setup. With millions of pilgrims expected to visit Ayodhya, managing crowds, security, sanitation, accommodation and other visitor-related facilities has become an increasingly important responsibility.

The Trust has simultaneously made changes to several other key positions. Mahesh Bhagchandka has been appointed treasurer, while Swami Govind Dev Giri, who previously held the treasurer's position, has taken over as general secretary. Madan Mohan Pandey, an Ayodhya-based lawyer and former Additional Advocate General of Uttar Pradesh, has also been inducted as a trustee.

The restructuring comes at a time when the Trust is managing the expanding responsibilities associated with the Ram Mandir. Apart from religious activities, the organisation has to oversee financial management, infrastructure, security arrangements, visitor services and coordination with government agencies.

The creation of a dedicated CEO position could provide the Trust with a clearer administrative chain of responsibility. The appointment of a retired Air Marshal with experience in large-scale operations also signals an emphasis on professional management as the temple complex and pilgrimage activity around it continue to grow.

Nirmala Yadav's appointment is equally significant because she becomes the first woman to serve on the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Together, the new appointments represent a broader administrative restructuring of the organisation responsible for the management of the Ram Mandir. The changes are expected to shape the Trust's functioning in the coming years as Ayodhya continues to emerge as one of India's major pilgrimage destinations and the number of visitors to the Ram Mandir increases.

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