Do you wear janeu, eat non-veg? Ram temple CEO job interview gets personal
The questions for the next person who will oversee the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya were not limited to budgets, administration or the management of one
The questions for the next person who will oversee the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya were not limited to budgets, administration or the management of one of India’s most high-profile temple. They got personal: "Are you a staunch Hindu? Do you eat non-veg food?" The 18 candidates shortlisted for the first full-time CEO of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust were asked about their religious practices, personal lives and dietary habits, besides their administrative experience and vision for the Ram temple, sources said. Read Full Story The candidates were asked to fill out a Google form seeking details about their administrative experience as well as religious beliefs and personal lives. During the interviews, panel members also went through details mentioned in their CVs and questioned them about their likes and dislikes, interpersonal skills and conduct. Among the questions were: "Do you keep a shikha (tuft of hair)?", "Do you wear a janeu (sacred thread)?" and "Are you a pure vegetarian or do you eat non-vegetarian food?" Candidates were also asked if they consume alcohol.
Questions also covered their families, previous work experience and their handling of crowds during large religious events. Candidates were asked about their faith in Lord Ram and their understanding of the temple’s religious and social significance. The interviews sought to assess administrative ability, leadership skills, religious and social engagement and each candidate’s vision for the future of the temple. The Trust is appointing a full-time CEO for the first time after the loot of cash, gold and other offerings by temple staff came to light in June. The CEO will oversee the temple’s administration, facilities and associated businesses. SELECTION PANEL INTERVIEWS CANDIDATES The selection process began Tuesday, with 10 candidates appearing for interviews on the first day. The remaining candidates are expected to be interviewed Wednesday. According to reports, the Trust has stipulated that the selected candidate should be a practising Hindu, follow Hindu traditions and guidelines, be a strict vegetarian and a teetotaller.
The age criterion for the post has been fixed at 50 to 70 years. The interviews were held behind closed doors in a greenhouse in the northern part of the Ram Mandir complex. Confidentiality was maintained throughout the process. The selection committee comprises former Justice Pramod Kohli, Lt Gen (retd) Vishnukant Chaturvedi and scientist Suresh Haware, former chairman of the Shirdi Sai Baba Trust. Interviews began at 9 am, with the first session running until noon and the second from 2 pm to 6 pm. Each candidate was interviewed for about 25 to 30 minutes. Dr Krishna Mohan, the Trust’s interim general secretary, was also present during the interviews along with the selection panel. 18 SHORTLISTED FROM OVER 5,300 APPLICANTS The Trust received more than 5,300 applications from across the country for the post. Eighteen candidates were eventually shortlisted, with administrative experience expected to be a key consideration. According to a senior Trust functionary, all 18 candidates arrived in Ayodhya late on Monday and stayed at locations suggested by the Trust, reported news agency PTI.
The BriefWire