MB#90: 𝙎𝙝𝙤𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙇𝙞𝙛𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝘼𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝘼𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙈𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙤𝙨.

[MemoirBlogthon #90] Growing up, I saw my father's office adorned with trophies and certificates from his decades of service in the State Government Roads and Buildings Department, planting an early seed of inspiration. As my own professional journey led to a wealth of awards, citations, and mementos—from Rotary International medals and banking recognitions to accolades from schools and colleges for my career guidance work—my home office became overwhelmed. Following my father's two-decade-old advice to "categorize and preserve," this blog details how I, with the help of my younger brother, transformed a scattered collection into a systematic, illuminated display using acrylic step-stands. This intentional effort turned my achievements into a visible legacy that not only boosts my own motivation but also serves as a potent conversation starter for guests. I am now waiting to add the potential World Record achievement from my Memoir Blogthon to this inspiring collection!

MB#90: Display carpentry, its arrangement, and its current state of showcase.

The Early Seeds of Display and Dignity 🌱

From childhood, I was keenly aware of the power of a well-displayed achievement. I remember watching, with quiet fascination, the trophies, awards, and certificates arranged in my father's office room, all testifying to his dedicated service as an engineer. Similarly, at school, I would observe the winning artifacts from students and teams showcased proudly in the headmistress's office. This demonstrated to me early on that achievements are meant to be visible, not hidden.

In the public sphere, I noticed that figures like the prime minister and president often auction off the artifacts and gifts they receive, highlighting the cultural and monetary value of these mementos. My internet search confirmed this global phenomenon: preserving awards is universally recognized as a way to cherish hard work, boost motivation, and build a lasting legacy. Celebrities, from Sachin Tendulkar to Michael Jordan and Oprah Winfrey, all maintain curated collections to inspire others and validate their success.

My Father’s Advice: The Mandate to Preserve 📜

As my own professional life evolved, I amassed a large number of awards, citations, and mementos, resulting in a scattered, overwhelming collection in my home office. Unlike the public figures, no one in my immediate circle was taking the time to see them or ask about their background stories.

My father, who had displayed his own achievements in his professional life, gave me invaluable advice two decades ago. Although he didn't meticulously follow his own suggestions for long-term preservation, he suggested I do so, hoping his son would excel in achievements and preserve them.

His instructions were specific and practical:

1. Categorize and Store: Preserve them in a systematic way, such as in albums or boxes.

2. Strategic Display: Display the favorite items in a prominent place, preferably the top portion of the bookshelf, and rotate them periodically to keep the display fresh.

3. Digital Archive: Take photos of the items and create a digital archive, which can be easily shared with others.

4. Gifting (Optional): Consider donating or gifting some items to visitors who may appreciate them, mirroring what he sometimes did.

The Transformation: From Clutter to Curated Collection ✨

The time for action came, and I enlisted the help of my younger brother, Vijay. As a thoughtful gift from Australia, he brought me acrylic step stands. This was the key!

We started the meticulous process of arranging the collection. We placed the stands inside the shelf, organizing the trophies so that they could be clearly viewed from the office seat level. I then fixed an electronic fluorescent light inside the shelf to illuminate the display, giving it the dignity it deserved.

This systematic arrangement, however, confirmed the sheer volume of my recognition: we could keep only about 50% of the important awards on display. The numerous certificates and citations are still neatly stored, filling a folder.

This arrangement instantly paid dividends. It encouraged my guests to appreciate the collection, making the display a natural topic of conversation. Many of my visitors began taking pictures of the shelf.

The Story Behind the Success 🗣️

When asked, "Where did this collection come from?" my answer is simple and heartfelt. The collection represents contributions across various spheres of my life:

• Professional Development: Recognition from students who attended my lectures and trainees who attended my sessions.

  
  

• Social Service: Most recognitions stem from my Jaycees Youth Club and Rotary Club activities, including Rotary International Paul Harris medals and citations, celebrating my vocational service and community contributions.

  
  

• Academic/Literary: Certificates and medallions received for my participation in writing anthology books and online group achievements.

  
  

• Hyderabad Chapter of the Company Secretaries, which year after year honors me as its former chairman (1996).

  
  

• Former employers and staff on the eve of my relinquishing my office on the concluding day.

  
  

• Corporate giveaways: Recognition from various banks as a best customer.

  
  

• Community Outreach: Awards from the organizers of the schools and colleges where I addressed career guidance programs.

These preserved artifacts serve as a reminder of the value of hard work and commitment. They are not merely objects; they are tangible representations of lives impacted and successes achieved.

My childhood dream of showcasing this visible record of my journey has certainly come to fruition. Today, this curated collection serves its intended purpose: a constant source of motivation and a physical legacy for my family. As I near the completion of the Memoir Blogathon, this shelf stands ready, not just to hold any future recognition, but to inspire the next generation to pursue their passions and collect their own meaningful evidence of service and dedication.

MB#90: Quiz

MB90: Question: What specific item did the author's younger brother gift him to help organize and display the trophies?

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• A. A large glass cabinet.
• B. Acrylic step-stands.
• C. A rotating pedestal.
• D. A shadow box frame.

MB#90: Quote

"We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect." – Anaïs Nin