New Delhi

Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra (retd), who was on Wednesday appointed the first CEO of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, has said it is great fortune for him to be chosen for the role and he considers it blessings of Lord Ram.

In his first interview after being named CEO of the Ram Temple, Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra (retd) told ANI that he had got the opportunity to serve Sri Ram Mandir and the devotees.

He said he would serve in the new role after 43 years of service to the nation in the Indian Air Force.

“I consider this a great fortune that they chose me from so many candidates. I also consider this the blessings of Lord Ram that after 43 years of service to the nation in the Air Force, He has given me the opportunity to serve Sri Ram Mandir and Sri Ram bhakts," he said.

"As I said, I would like to thank the selection committee, Sri Ram Mandir Trust and Lord Ram for having chosen me for this responsibility. I pray to God to grant me the capability so that I can shoulder it well," he added.

Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra (retd) was on Wednesday appointed the first CEO of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, Ayodhya. The Truist also appointed its first woman member who is  Shikohabad-based Dr Nirmala Yadav.

Making the announcement, the Trust's interim general secretary Krishna Mohan said that the decision was taken after a discussion at the meeting held today.

 He also recalled Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra's association with Operation Sindoor.

"A discussion was held, and it was decided that Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra (retd) will be the CEO (of the Trust)...During Operation Sindoor, the Air Force played a significant role and he was the Commander-in-Chief during the Operation," Krishna Mohan said.

The search committee appointed to select the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir submitted its final report on Tuesday, following a rigorous screening process that saw over 5,000 applicants vying for the prestigious post.

The report was submitted during a high-level meeting attended by Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust members, including Treasurer Swami Govind Dev Giri Ji Maharaj, Mahant Dinendra Das, Acting General Secretary Krishna Mohan, and Ayodhya District Magistrate Shashank Tripathi.

The three-member search committee comprised Lieutenant General Vishnu Kant Chaturvedi (retd), former Scientist Suresh Haware and former Supreme Court judge Justice Pramod Kohli.

Treasurer of the Trust, Swami Govind Dev Giri Ji Maharaj, had said that the report will be taken up on Wednesday.

Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on Wednesday also appointed three new trustees.

Delhi-based Mahesh Bhagchandka, Ayodhya-based Madan Mohan Pandey and Shikohabad-based Dr Nirmala Yadav will join the Trust as new trustees, Krishna Mohan said.

Speaking to the media, Nirmala Yadav on Wednesday described her appointment as a "matter of joy and pride" and said she would work to ensure devotees do not face any inconvenience at the Ayodhya Ram Temple.

Dr Nirmala Yadav

Speaking to ANI here, Yadav said she had not expected to be given the responsibility and expressed happiness at being the first woman trustee of the trust.

"I had not expected this. I am there as the first woman trustee; this is a matter of joy and pride for me. Ram Mandir is the focal point of India and the entire world. This responsibility has been given to me," she said.

Yadav said she would focus on the management and security aspects of the temple and ensure that devotees have a smooth experience.

"So, we will look after the management and security aspects of it. We will see to it that the devotees do not face any inconvenience, and that if there are any faults, they should be done away with," she said.

On the issue of "chanda chori", Yadav said she had faced several challenges during her career and had always maintained fairness while dealing with them.

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"I have faced challenges earlier too. I have worked as the principal for about 25 years...I tackled several challenges...But maintained my fairness and faced challenges. This has always been my image. I would want to continue with the same image," she said.