{
  "id": 9682671,
  "title": "UK’s Newcastle Uni draws criticism over sustainability professorship for son of India’s richest man",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/uks-newcastle-uni-draws-criticism-over-sustainability-professorship",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-25T02:47:57.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2026/09/25/uks-newcastle-uni-draws-criticism-over-sustainability-professorship-for-son-of-indias-richest-man/236424"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.\n\nResearcher 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.\n\nDespite the controversy, Vantara has steadfastly denied any wrongdoing.",
  "summary": "LONDON, Sept 25 — Britain’s Newcastle University faced criticism yesterday for awarding a sustainability pro...",
  "key_points": [
    "Newcastle University awarded professorship to Anant Ambani, son of India's richest man.",
    "Ambani leads Vantara, a wildlife rescue center facing criticism for animal acquisitions.",
    "Critics argue university legitimizes animal captivity and undermines sustainability."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Newcastle University's appointment of Anant Ambani to a sustainability professorship undermines its mission by lending academic legitimacy to a corporation criticized for its wildlife conservation practices.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "South China Morning Post",
        "title": "Newcastle University under fire over Anant Ambani professorship amid Vantara scandal",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/newcastle-university-under-fire-over-anant-ambani-professorship-amid",
        "published": "2026-09-25T01:20:10.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}