UK’s Newcastle Uni draws criticism over sustainability professorship for son of India’s richest man

Newcastle University has come under fire after bestowing a sustainability professorship upon Anant Ambani, son of India's wealthiest individual and proprietor of a beleaguered wildlife center in the country. Vantara, the institution's gargantuan rescue center, recently implemented substantial changes to its practices following apprehensions regarding its extensive acquisition of animals from across the globe, including those classified as endangered.

Newcastle University announced on September 14 that it conferred the position of "Professor of Practice in Sustainability" upon Ambani, citing his substantial contributions to fostering a more sustainable future. The university in northern England highlighted Vantara's alignment with the university's pioneering research on global conservation and biodiversity goals, as well as his role as an executive director at Reliance Industries, a conglomerate led by his father, billionaire mogul Mukesh Ambani.

Researcher Lyla Mehta expressed disdain for the decision on social media, asserting that the university is "stooping low" and undermining the pursuit of sustainability. Mehta argued that universities should challenge power and hold corporations accountable rather than bestow them with academic legitimacy. Wildlife conservationist Prerna Singh Bindra further questioned the characterization of Vantara as a conservation site, labeling it a "captive facility, a zoo," and contended that the focus should be on preserving wild animals in their natural habitats, not confined within zoos.

Bindra lamented that the university was deviating from its mission of nurturing, mentoring, and equipping future conservationists by endorsing the accumulation of animals in zoos as a form of conservation.

Despite the controversy, Vantara has steadfastly denied any wrongdoing.