New Delhi: Former Indian cricketer, Anil Kumble has been appointed as the brand ambassador of the Karnataka Forest and Wildlife Department. He has taken up the role without any remuneration. Reports say his decision is driven purely by social commitment. This stands in sharp contrast to the recent controversy regarding actress Tammanah Bhatia who was reportedly paid Rs 6 crore to promote Mysore sandal soap.
The decision to appoint Tammanah Bhatia as the face of Mysore sandal soap, has come under fire from various quarters. Amid uproar, Kumble’s generous gesture has been lauded by the social media and the public.
Forest Minster, Eshwar Khandre confirmed Kumble’s appointment on Tuesday. ” In the interest of forest and environmental conservation and to raise awareness among the public, we have decided to appoint Anil Kumble as the brand ambassador for the Karnataka Forest and Wildlife Department. Kumble has previously served as the Vice-Chairman of the Karnataka Wildlife Board and brings with him a deep commitment to wildlife protection and environmental issues,” Khandre said.
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Highlighting Kumble’s dedication, the minister noted, “It is a matter of pride that he has chosen to take up this responsibility without accepting any payment. I believe this will bring new energy and direction to our efforts in forest conservation and environmental awareness.”
Taking to social media, Kumble expressed his gratitude to the state government. “I thank the Karnataka government and Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre for appointing me. I am committed to raising awareness about our state’s rich biodiversity and supporting frontline forest staff,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter), also acknowledging CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar.
ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ರಾಜ್ಯ ಅರಣ್ಯ ಇಲಾಖೆ ಮತ್ತು ವನ್ಯಜೀವಿ ಸಂರಕ್ಷಣ ರಾಯಭಾರಿಯಾಗಿ ನನ್ನನ್ನು ನೇಮಿಸಿದಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಸರ್ಕಾರ ಮತ್ತು ಅರಣ್ಯ ಸಚಿವರಿಗೆ ಶ್ರೀ @eshwar_khandre ನನ್ನ ಕೃತಜ್ಞತೆಯನ್ನು ವ್ಯಕ್ತಪಡಿಸಲು ಬಯಸುತ್ತೇನೆ. ನಮ್ಮ ರಾಜ್ಯದ ಸಸ್ಯ ಹಾಗೂ ಪ್ರಾಣಿಗಳಲ್ಲಿನ ವೈವಿಧ್ಯತೆಯ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಜಾಗೃತಿ ಮೂಡಿಸಲು,ವನ್ಯಜೀವಿ ಸಂರಕ್ಷಣೆ ಮತ್ತು… https://t.co/cxdsOJohar
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) May 27, 2025
Kumble, who is also an avid wildlife photographer, has long shown interest in environmental causes. As the debate around Tamannaah’s endorsement deal continues, Kumble is setting an example of selfless service to the state.
