<h1>Postdoctoral researchers honoured; call for clearer sustainable career pathways and expanded higher education research support.</h1> A Chennai ceremony recognised India's global postdoctoral researchers for achievements in areas such as AI-driven healthcare, clean energy, advanced materials, biotechnology, digital education and sustainable development, and also acknowledged senior academic leaders. Awards were based on research excellence and contributions to open science, industry partnerships and policy impact. Organisers intend the ceremony to be annual, expand international participation, and foster dialogue to improve retention, career pathways and structural support for postdoctoral researchers within higher education and research ecosystems.