God's command: Jeetendra Mishra on journey from Operation Sindoor to Ram Temple

Retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra said his appointment as the first CEO of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust was guided by Lord Ram's will. He said he would consult the trust on the way forward and serve devotees after decades in the Air Force.

In Short

• Mishra said he felt fortunate after 43 years of national service
• He thanked the selection committee, trust and Lord Ram for choosing him
• He said his mother and family were overjoyed after hearing about appointment

Retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra, appointed the first CEO of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, says he sees his journey from leading Operation Sindoor to taking charge of the Ram Temple administration as an act of divine will. Speaking exclusively to India Today over the phone, Mishra said he felt most fortunate to have been chosen for the role after 43 years of national service in the Indian Air Force.

“First of all, I would like to thank the selection committee, the trust, and Lord Shri Ram for considering me worthy and selecting me for this role,” Mishra said. “I consider this my good fortune and feel myself to be the most fortunate person. I spent 43 years in national service; now I have got the opportunity to serve the devotees of Ram,” he added.

Mishra said he had informed his mother and his entire family about his appointment, describing the opportunity as a source of immense happiness. He also expressed gratitude to the selection committee, which he said followed a strict process before choosing him for the responsibility.

Asked about his move from Operation Sindoor to his new role at the Ram Temple Trust, Mishra became emotional. “On the journey from Operation Sindoor to here, apart from Shri Ram’s will, I cannot say anything,” he said. “It is God’s command; there is immense happiness. As the Lord commands, so shall we act,” he added.

MISHRA SAYS FUTURE PLAN WILL BE DECIDED WITH TRUST

Mishra did not announce a specific agenda for his tenure as CEO, saying he would first take charge and discuss the way forward with the trust.

“As for the future, after taking up the CEO position, I will discuss with the trust and decide accordingly. I will try to do whatever is best for the Shri Ram temple. I will pray to Shri Ram,” he said.

Speaking to ANI separately, Mishra said he was honoured by the appointment and felt blessed to have received an opportunity to serve Lord Ram and his devotees after decades in the Air Force.

He also described his selection from around 5,500 applicants as a matter of great fortune. On questions about the selection process, he said the selection committee would provide details.

‘LEARN FROM HISTORY, BUT MOVE BEYOND IT’

Mishra was also asked about incidents that have occurred at the temple, including a fire. He avoided commenting on previous arrangements or controversies, but said lessons should be drawn from past incidents while keeping the focus on the future. “Before undertaking any work, we should certainly learn from history, but we should also move beyond it,” he said.

Mishra expressed confidence that, after taking charge, he would be able to work effectively with the trust and its team. He also prayed to Lord Ram to give him the strength to fulfil the responsibility entrusted to him.

FROM IAF SERVICE TO RAM TEMPLE

Mishra retired from the Indian Air Force in April 2026 after a long career in the force. He had served as the head of the IAF’s Western Air Command and was involved in Operation Sindoor.

The Ram Temple Trust appointed him as its first CEO following the recommendation of a selection committee that examined around 5,500 applications and interviewed hundreds of candidates.

For Mishra, however, the appointment represents less a departure from his earlier career than a new form of service. “After decades of service in the Air Force for the country, I am blessed to be given a chance to serve Lord Ram and his devotees,” he told news agency ANI.

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