India
oi-Madhuri Adnal
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has appointed Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj as its new General Secretary after a key meeting in Ayodhya on Wednesday.
Giri takes over from Champat Rai, who stepped down after taking moral responsibility in connection with allegations of theft involving donations collected for the Ram Temple.
In Ayodhya, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust appointed Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj as General Secretary, retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra as its first CEO, Mahesh Bhagchandka as treasurer, and inducted three new trustees during a Wednesday meeting.
Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) international president Alok Kumar welcomed the appointment and congratulated Giri, saying his experience and leadership would guide the Trust in the coming days, PTI reported.
Who is Govind Dev Giri?
Govind Dev Giri, popularly known as “Swamiji” among his followers, was born as Acharya Kishoreji Madangopal Vyas on January 25, 1949, in Belapur village of Maharashtra’s Ahmednagar district.
He grew up in a family where religious learning and spiritual practices were an important part of daily life. His interest in India’s spiritual traditions began at an early age and continued through his education.
Giri completed his early schooling in his village and later joined Tatvagyan Vidyapeeth, an institution founded by Pandurang Shastri Aathavale, the founder of the Swadhyay movement.
He went on to study Philosophy and earned a bachelor’s degree under Aathavale’s guidance. After completing his education, Giri spent years travelling and delivering religious discourses, eventually becoming a recognised spiritual speaker.
His association with the Ram Temple Trust
Giri became a member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in 2020, when the body was set up to oversee the construction and management of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
As a trustee, one of his major responsibilities was overseeing the collection and management of funds raised for the temple.
His appointment as General Secretary now gives him a more prominent role in the day-to-day functioning and administration of the Trust.
Jeetendra Mishra appointed first CEO
The Trust has also brought in retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra as its first Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Mishra, who served as the head of the Indian Air Force’s Western Air Command during Operation Sindoor, was selected from three shortlisted candidates. The selection process involved reviewing 5,585 applications for the newly created post.
Mishra is from Deoria district in Uttar Pradesh and served in the Air Force for several decades. During his career, he held several senior positions and received military honours, including the Yudh Seva Medal.
After his appointment, Mishra thanked the selection committee and the Trust for giving him the responsibility. He also said he was confident about carrying out the duties assigned to him.
Three new trustees inducted
The Trust has also appointed Mahesh Bhagchandka as treasurer and inducted three new members into its governing body.
The new trustees are Madan Mohan Pandey from Ayodhya, Bhagchandka from Delhi and Dr Nirmala Yadav from Shikohabad.
Giri welcomed Yadav’s appointment and said her presence would improve women’s representation in the management of the temple.
The appointments are part of a wider restructuring of the Trust’s administrative setup as it continues to oversee the affairs of the Ram Temple.
