From Kargil To Ayodhya: Jeetendra Mishra Named First CEO Of Temple Trust

Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra (retd), a highly decorated former Indian Air Force officer, has been named the first Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in Ayodhya.

Jeetendra Mishra was selected for the post on Wednesday following a nationwide selection process. More than 5,000 applicants applied for the position. His appointment comes as the temple complex enters a critical phase of construction and management.

Mishra’s most recent honour was the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal, conferred on Independence Day 2025 for his contribution during Operation Sindoor. He had previously been awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2024 and the Vishisht Seva Medal in 2013.

Jeetendra Mishra was commissioned into the IAF’s fighter stream on December 6, 1986. He trained at the National Defence Academy, the Air Force Academy, and the Air Force Test Pilots School. He later attended the Air Command and Staff College in Montgomery, Alabama, and the Royal College of Defence Studies in London

Over more than 38 years of service, Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra logged over 3,000 flying hours. He flew more than 18 types of aircraft, including fighters, transport planes and helicopters. His operational career included commanding a fighter squadron and serving as chief test pilot at the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment. He also led two frontline air bases.

Role in Kargil War

Jeetendra Mishra was closely involved in bringing laser-guided bombs into service on Mirage 2000 jets during the Kargil War.

The weapons were later deployed against key targets such as Tiger Hill and Muntho Dhalo in Operation Safed Sagar.

Jeetendra Mishra later held several senior positions at Air Headquarters. He served as Director of the Operational Planning and Assessment Group.

The Air Marshal served as Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Projects) and Commandant of ASTE. He later became Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff for Doctrine, Organisation and Training, and subsequently for Operations.

On January 1, 2025, the Air Marshal took over as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Air Command, succeeding Air Marshal Pankaj Mohan Sinha, a post he held until his retirement. His appointment marks a shift from military command to civilian institutional leadership at one of India’s most significant religious sites.

Also Read: S Jaishankar To Visit Ukraine, Poland From September 3 To 5