Lucknow: The appointment of Mahesh Bhagchandka (68), Madan Mohan Pandey (74) and Nirmala Yadav (66) as new trustees of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust was based on the need for specialised expertise, local availability and wider representation in the temple body, according to a source familiar with the selection process.The source said the Trust wanted to ensure the representation of a woman among its members. Nirmala Yadav was selected for the role, besides her academic background and knowledge of Sanskrit.According to the source, Yadav is a professor of Sanskrit and has expertise in the language. The Trust is considering a proposal to establish an institute for the study and promotion of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. Since several ancient religious texts are written in Sanskrit, the Trust felt the proposed institute would require guidance from a person familiar with the language.Her appointment was also seen as meeting the Trust’s requirement for wider participation in its decision-making structure, the source said.In the case of Pandey, his long association with the Ram Janmabhoomi legal case and his presence in Ayodhya were considered important factors. Pandey, a lawyer based in Ayodhya, had represented Shri Ram Lalla Virajman and Mahant Ramchandra Paramhans during the legal battle in the Allahabad High Court and the Supreme Court.The Trust wanted to include a legal expert who could remain readily available for its work and advise it on legal matters.Mahesh Bhagchandka was selected after being considered the most suitable candidate for the position of treasurer. The source said Bhagchandka has an industrial background, experience in accounts and financial matters, and a clean record.More than two dozen applicants with strong professional backgrounds were considered for the treasurer’s post. However, several candidates were based in Hyderabad, Maharashtra and other distant locations. The Trust wanted a treasurer who could remain available when required, and mutual confidence developed around Bhagchandka’s name, the source said.A few candidates from Uttar Pradesh were also considered, but concerns related to their backgrounds affected their prospects. Bhagchandka’s presence in Delhi, his professional experience and his availability for Trust-related work strengthened his candidature, the source said.
