Retired Air Marshal Appointed Ram Temple CEO
Jeetendra Mishra, a retired Air Marshal involved in Operation Sindoor, has been appointed the first CEO of the Ayodhya Ram Temple.
Retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra has been appointed the first chief executive officer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya. Hours after the announcement, an old video of him accompanying Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Adampur air base in Punjab in May 2025 resurfaced and went viral on social media.
Mishra's Military Background and Operation Sindoor
Mishra had accompanied Modi to the Adampur air base shortly after India and Pakistan reached an understanding to stop military action following Operation Sindoor. The visit was aimed at countering Pakistan's disinformation campaign and showcasing India's military preparedness.
Mishra retired on April 30 as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Air Command. He was among the senior military officers involved in planning Operation Sindoor and was later awarded the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal for his role in the four-day military confrontation with Pakistan.
The Western Air Command, which he headed at the time, was central to India's operational response after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, that killed 26 people. The operation saw India and Pakistan engage in four days of strikes and counterstrikes involving fighter jets, missiles, drones, long-range weapons and heavy artillery. The two sides reached an understanding to stop all military action on May 10, 2025.
Under Mishra's leadership, the Western Air Command was prepared to strike targets in Pakistan within hours of the Pahalgam attack. People aware of the matter said he was also closely involved in identifying terror targets in Pakistan and deciding the weapons best suited to hit them while minimising collateral damage.
Mishra's Career and Personal Background
Mishra, who belongs to Bhopatpura village in the Bhatpar Rani area of Uttar Pradesh's Deoria district, has more than 3,000 hours of flying experience. He served as a fighter pilot, combat leader, and experimental test pilot during his career.
Reaction to Temple Appointment
In his first reaction to the appointment, Mishra called it a great fortune. Speaking to the ANI news agency, he said he also considered this the blessings of Lord Ram that after 43 years of service to the nation in the Air Force, He has given him the opportunity to serve Sri Ram Mandir and Sri Ram bhakts.
He further thanked the selection committee, the Trust and Lord Ram for being given this responsibility. He added that he prayed to God to grant him the capability so that he could shoulder it well. The viral video from the Adampur air base now serves as a visual footnote to his transition from a senior military commander to the head of a major religious institution.
