The appointment of Anant Ambani, son of Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, as an 'Honorary Professor' at the prestigious Newcastle University in the UK has sparked a huge controversy. The appointment, in the 'Professor of Practice in Sustainability' department, has drawn strong objections from academics, environmentalists and even the staff of the university.

The university officially announced the honorary position on September 14. The university said that it has taken into account Anant Ambani's efforts for environmental protection and animal welfare through the 'Vantara' wildlife sanctuary set up by him in Jamnagar, Gujarat, on about 3,500 acres. Anant's wife Radhika Ambani also attended the event.

However, criticism is being leveled against the appointment. Critics say it is ridiculous to give a professorship in the 'sustainability' department to a member of the Reliance family, which runs one of the world's largest oil refineries. They allege that this is just an act of 'greenwashing' (misleading in the name of environmental interest).

On the other hand, there are also many doubts about the functioning of the 'Vantara' center founded by Anant Ambani. A German newspaper had previously raised many questions about where and how thousands of endangered animals were collected. Some environmentalists have criticized it, saying that it looks more like a giant animal captivity center than a wildlife sanctuary.

Renowned historian Ramachandra Guha described the appointment as a "confused choice". He said that there are scientists and environmental activists in the country who are hundreds of times more deserving of this honor than Anant. The university, however, is defending its decision. It has made it clear that the work being done by Vantara is in line with its research objectives. However, criticism of this appointment continues.