Nirmala Yadav Becomes First Woman Trustee of Ram Mandir Trust

By: Women Entrepreneurs Review Team | Thursday, 3 September 2026

Dr Nirmala Yadav has made history by becoming the first woman trustee of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which oversees the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The Trust announced her appointment on 3 September 2026, marking a significant change in the leadership of one of India’s most prominent religious institutions.

Key Highlights:

• Nirmala Yadav becomes the first woman trustee of the Ram Mandir Trust
• Mahesh Bhagchandka and Madan Mohan Pandey join as new trustees
• Retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra becomes the Trust’s first CEO

Dr Nirmala, 66, is a retired academic from Shikohabad, Uttar Pradesh, with nearly two decades of experience as a college principal. She holds postgraduate degrees in Hindi and Sanskrit and a PhD in Hindi. She served as principal of BDM Degree College in Shikohabad and MG Balika PG College in Firozabad. She has also evaluated doctoral and postgraduate dissertations and served on a university academic council.

A long-time RSS worker and vice-president of the Rashtriya Shaikshik Mahasangh, Dr Nirmala brings extensive academic and organisational experience to the Trust. Her induction also introduces greater women’s representation and social diversity into its leadership.

Speaking after her appointment, Dr Nirmala described the responsibility as a “matter of joy and pride”. She said she had not expected to receive the role and pledged to focus on the management and security of the temple. She added that her priority would be ensuring devotees experience a smooth and inconvenience-free visit.

Dr Nirmala also referred to the recent donation-theft controversy, stressing that she would approach management challenges with fairness and transparency. Drawing on her long career as a principal, she said she had dealt with several challenges while maintaining her commitment to fairness and intended to carry the same approach into her new role.

The leadership changes extend beyond Dr Nirmala’s appointment. Mahesh Bhagchandka, a Delhi-based businessman, and Madan Mohan Pandey, a senior advocate from Ayodhya who represented Ram Lalla in the title dispute, have also joined the Trust as trustees. Mahesh has additionally taken charge as treasurer, while Swami Govind Dev Giri continues as Mahamantri.

The Trust has also appointed retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra as its first full-time Chief Executive Officer. Mishra, who previously commanded the Western Air Command, said he regarded the opportunity as a privilege after 43 years of service in the Indian Air Force. His appointment is expected to strengthen the Trust’s administrative and operational framework.

Dr Nirmala’s elevation marks a notable moment for women in institutional leadership, while the wider reshuffle signals an effort to strengthen governance, management and accountability at the Ayodhya Ram Temple.