Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra Appointed First CEO of Ram Mandir Trust

In a significant administrative development for the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra (Retired) has been officially appointed as the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ram Mandir Trust. This landmark decision was finalized during a high-level meeting where his appointment received formal approval. As the inaugural CEO, Air Marshal Mishra will be entrusted with the comprehensive oversight of the temple's administration, security protocols, financial management, and the systematic arrangement of devotees' visits for darshan.

A Distinguished Career in the Indian Air Force

Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra brings a wealth of experience to this prestigious role, having served the nation for 39 years in the Indian Air Force (IAF). He concluded his illustrious military career on April 30 of this year. Before his retirement, he held the critical position of Chief of the Western Air Command of the Indian Air Force. His career is marked by exceptional skill and bravery, evidenced by his 3000 hours of flying experience across a diverse range of aircraft. During his service, he demonstrated immense versatility by flying more than 18 different types of fighter jets, transport aircraft, and helicopters.

Operational Excellence and Heroism

The newly appointed CEO has a storied history of operational success. He played a pivotal role in Operation Sindoor, for which he has been highly recognized. Plus, his contributions during the Tiger Hill and Safed Sagar operations were instrumental to the success of the Indian Air Force's missions. His operational planning and execution capabilities have been a hallmark of his nearly four-decade-long career.

Extensive Leadership Roles in the IAF

Throughout his tenure in the IAF, Air Marshal Mishra served in numerous high-ranking positions, including: Commanding Officer of a Fighter Squadron (MiG-21), Chief Test Pilot at the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE), and Chief Test Pilot at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Nasik. He also served as the Air Officer Commanding for 15 Wing in Bareilly and 18 Wing in Pathankot. His administrative and strategic roles included serving as the Director of the Operational Planning and Assessment Group, Principal Director (Air Staff Requirements), and Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Projects) at Air Headquarters, while he also held the positions of Commandant at ASTE, Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Doctrine, Organization, and Training), and Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations). His final major assignment was as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Air Command from January 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026.

Prestigious Awards and Academic Background

In recognition of his distinguished service and bravery during Operation Sindoor, he was honored with the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal on the occasion of Independence Day last year. His other accolades include the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal awarded in 2024 and the Vishisht Seva Medal in 2013. His academic and professional training is equally impressive, having studied at the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Khadakwasla, the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, and the Air Force Test Pilots School in Bengaluru. He also received international training at the Air Command and Staff College in Montgomery, Alabama, USA, and the Royal College of Defence Studies in the United Kingdom.