Mahant Raju Das Greets New Ram Mandir Trust CEO, Calls for Compassionate Action in Ayodhya

When the trust’s board met in Ayodhya on Thursday, the atmosphere was a mix of reverence and quiet optimism. Mahant Raju Das, the venerable head of Hanuman Garhi, rose to welcome Air Marshal (Retd.) Jeetendra Mishra as the first chief executive of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. "It feels like a fresh breeze," the Mahant said, his voice carrying the weight of years spent in the service of the divine.

He didn’t stop at a warm greeting. Raju Das laid out a handful of practical wishes, almost like a checklist for a caretaker of a beloved house. First, he asked the trust to adopt and look after the gaushalas scattered around Ayodhya – the shelters for cows that are as much a part of the city’s spiritual fabric as the temples themselves. "These cows need love and proper care, just like our pilgrims," he reminded the gathering.

Second, the saint pointed to the many temples that have seen better days. Some are crumbling, some are barely standing, yet each holds a story, a memory, a prayer whispered through centuries. "A salaried employee can’t replicate the devotion of a Sadhu. The worship must stay pure, not turn into a commercial venture," he insisted, urging the trust to fund restorations and keep the ancient stones alive.

He also pressed for something that might sound simple but carries great impact – free meals, or ‘langar’, for the throngs of devotees who travel far to catch a glimpse of the divine. "When a pilgrim’s stomach is full, the heart is lighter," the Mahant said, adding that the trust should arrange seamless ‘darshan’ opportunities for both saints and visitors.

Not far behind Raju Das, another respected figure, Mahamandaleshwar Vishnu Das Ji Maharaj, voiced his own approval. He praised Mishra’s long‑standing record in the Indian Air Force, noting that the retired air marshal had served the nation for 39 years and earned the Uttam Yuddh Seva Medal. "Now he has the chance to serve at the feet of Lord Ram Lalla – what a privilege," Vishnu Das Ji exclaimed.

The senior saint didn’t shy away from the politics either. He called out opposition parties for repeatedly “politicising” alleged thefts and scams linked to temple offerings, saying such chatter only hurts the Sanatani community. "Those incidents will not repeat under the watchful eye of CEO Mishra," he assured, expressing confidence in the new leadership.

In the same meeting, the trust also filled three vacant trustee spots, approved the 2025‑26 accounts and took stock of the ongoing SIT probe into financial irregularities. All of this, they said, would be presented to the Supreme Court when required.

When asked about his own feelings, the newly appointed CEO, Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra, said the role felt like a blessing after three decades of service to the nation. "I consider it great fortune that they chose me. It is Lord Ram’s blessing that after 43 years in the Air Force, I can now serve the Ram Mandir and its bhakts," he said, his voice a mix of humility and resolve.

Thus, the stage is set: a seasoned military officer at the helm of a historic religious trust, guided by senior saints who urge compassion, preservation, and a touch of humanity for every pilgrim who walks through Ayodhya’s ancient lanes.