Who is Jitendra Mishra? Commanding Chief during Operation Sindoor Appointed CEO of Ayodhya Ram Mandir Trust | Today’s news
Former Indian Air Force (IAF) officer Jitendra Mishra was appointed as the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir on Wednesday. Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust convened a meeting at Shri Maniramdas Chhawni in Ayodhya to select a candidate from a shortlist of three selected from 5,585 applications.
Among the participants in the meeting were Trust President Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, Swami Kamalnayan Das, former Interim General Secretary Dr. Krishna Mohan, Trustee Mahant Dinendra Das and Treasurer Swami Govind Dev Giri.
Who is Jitendra Mishra?
As the Senior Air Officer Commanding Western Air Command, Mishra directed air operations during Operation Sindoor. An IAF veteran, Mishra served for nearly four decades before retiring on April 30 this year. During his career, he also served as Deputy Chief of the Integrated Defense Staff (Operations).
Mishra has accumulated more than 3,000 flight hours on more than 18 types of aircraft, reflecting his extensive operational experience. His service was recognized with several awards including the Sarvottam Yudh Seva, Ati Vishisht Seva and Vishisht Seva medals.
Ram Mandir Trust meeting
The Trust’s meeting came amid a controversy surrounding the alleged misappropriation of temple donations that resulted in eight people being arrested and Champat Rai stepping down as general secretary. Giri is the new full-time General Secretary of Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirath Kshetra Trust.
Mahesh Bhagchandka will be the new treasurer of the trust. The trust has yet to appoint a spokesperson.
Selection of CEO of Ram Mandir Trust
CEO selection involved both AI-based screening and manual evaluation. Applications were assessed using a 600 point framework, with 3,577 candidates appearing for initial screening. Those who scored at least 470 marks were shortlisted, resulting in virtual interaction with 108 candidates. The process culminated in face-to-face interviews with 16 applicants in Ayodhya on 11 and 12 August.
A three-member inquiry committee headed by former Justice Pramod Kohli submitted its final report to Trust Treasurer Govind Dev Giri on Tuesday. Retired Lt. Gen. Vishnukant Chaturvedi and retired scientist Suresh Haware were also on the committee.
Committee secretary Sameer Panda said the panel had arrived at a shortlist of “three highly qualified experts” after extensive evaluation of the applicants. The assessment took into account factors such as leadership skills, management experience, integrity and vision required to oversee an institution of national and international importance.
Meanwhile, Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust member Raj Kumar Das said that the CEO of the temple is expected to have strong organizational skills and remain deeply committed to the service of Shri Ram Lalla.
“It will definitely be someone with organizational competence, someone fully dedicated to the service of Shri Ram Lalla. This will further strengthen the management and ensure that the operations of the temple are well organised,” ANI quoted Das as saying.
