Who is Maharaj Govinddev Giri? Ayodhya Ram Temple Trust appoints new general secretary to replace Champat Rai | Today’s news
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on Wednesday concluded a key meeting in Ayodhya where it announced several changes in its organizational structure, including the appointment of Govind Dev Giri as the General Secretary of the Trust. Giri replaced Champat Rai, who resigned and took moral responsibility in connection with the alleged theft of the Ram Temple donation.
In a statement, Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) International President Alok Kumar congratulated Giri on his appointment as general secretary, saying his leadership would provide guidance to all, according to PTI.
Who is Govind Dev Giri?
Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj, formerly known as Acharya Kishoreji Madangopal Vyas, was born on January 25, 1949 in the village of Belapur in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, according to the Bhishma School of Indian Knowledge System.
His followers fondly call him “Swamiji”.
Coming from a family with a long tradition of spiritual learning and religious practice, Giri was introduced to the ancient spiritual traditions of India from an early age. He completed his primary schooling in his native village before joining the Tatvagyan Vidyapeeth, an institution founded by Pandurang Shastri Aathaval, who pioneered the socio-religious movement known as ‘Swadhyay’.
Giri later earned his BA in Philosophy under Aathavale. He subsequently spent years giving religious discourses and became a prominent spiritual figure.
His association with the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust began in 2020. As a trustee, he was entrusted with overseeing the collection and management of funds for the construction of the Ram Temple.
Former IAF officer Jeetendra Mishra was appointed as the first CEO of the Ram Temple Trust; 3 new admins listed
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has appointed retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra as its first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in a major organizational restructuring following allegations of donation theft.
Mishra, who led the Indian Air Force’s Western Air Command during Operation Sindoor, was selected from a final shortlist of three candidates after the Trust’s selection committee evaluated 5,585 applications for the newly created post.
The trust also appointed Mahesh Bhagchandka as treasurer and expanded its governing body by inducting three new trustees – Madan Mohan Pandey from Ayodhya, Bhagchandka from Delhi and Dr Nirmala Yadav from Shikohabad.
After his appointment, Mishra thanked the selection committee and the Trust for giving him the responsibility. He expressed confidence that he would be able to fulfill the duties associated with the position.
Hailing from Uttar Pradesh’s Deoria district, Mishra has served in the Indian Air Force for several decades, holding senior command posts. His service record includes several military awards, including the Yudh Seva Medal.
Giri also welcomed Yadav’s induction into the Trust, saying her appointment will strengthen the representation of women in the leadership of the temple.
