London: Newcastle University is under fire after awarding a professorship of practice in sustainability to Anant Ambani, heir to Reliance Industries Limited.
Conservationists, academics and environmentalists have criticised the move, questioning both the credibility of the appointment and its implications for academic independence, The Guardian reported.
The university said the honour recognised Ambani’s contributions to “conservation, biodiversity protection, animal welfare and environmental stewardship” through his work with Vantara, a wildlife rescue and conservation initiative, and his role in Reliance’s transition towards green energy.
A Newcastle University spokesperson explained: “The award of a professorship of practice recognises Mr Ambani’s contributions… through his work with Vantara and as the executive lead for the Reliance Group’s transition toward a green energy future.”
Vantara and Controversy
Ambani, 31, established Vantara, a 3,500‑acre private zoo in Gujarat housing more than 150,000 animals, including 200 lions, 250 leopards and 900 crocodiles. The facility, located near Reliance’s oil refining hub, also hosted his lavish pre‑wedding celebrations attended by celebrities and politicians.
While Vantara has never been found guilty of wrongdoing, conservation groups have raised concerns about the sourcing of endangered species.
Academic & Conservationist Pushback
The announcement has been met with sharp criticism from intellectuals and environmentalists.
Ramachandra Guha, historian and leading intellectual questioned the appointment. “I wonder on whose advice Newcastle University has acted, and whether it did due diligence… Its appointment of Mr Ambani is puzzling in the extreme, and is likely to adversely affect the university’s institutional credibility and intellectual standing.”
Bhuvan Mangalore, researcher on illegal wildlife trade, said, “Is this a joke?”
Prof Matt Perry, chair of Newcastle’s University and College Union branch informed that staff members objected to the appointment, citing environmental concerns.
Prof Lyla Mehta, University of Sussex, expressed concern that corporate money was taking over academia. “As public funding for universities falls, there is a real danger that billionaire and corporate money is begining to shape academia. Universities are supposed to be places that question power and hold corporations to account, not give them academic legitimacy.”
Wider Concerns
In April, Ambani launched Vantara University, billed as the world’s first global institution dedicated to wildlife conservation and veterinary science. Critics argue such ventures blur the line between corporate influence and academic integrity.
Lorne Stockman, Oil Change International, warned, “At a time when the climate crisis demands an urgent phaseout of oil and gas, we must demand our publicly funded institutions do better.”