She made a striking debut in the world of poems in her late thirties with a collection Puharato Andharaoto (In The Light And In Darkness, 1999). The artist turned poet began writing poems at the age of 35 and by this time she has published several collections of verses in Assamese: Hridayar Chitrapat (Canvas of Heart, 2001), Bhalpuwa, Bishad Aaru Dhulir Stabak (Verses on Love, Sadness and Dust, 2005), Kiba Paharila Neki (Did You Forget Something, 2008), Surgeon Aaru Meghbor (The Surgeon and the Clouds, 2012), Duporia Tu Ekhon Nodi Hol (The Noon Turns Into A River, 2017), Phagun Aru Patalor Golibor (Alleys of Phagun and the Hell, 2021), Anurag Anubad Aru Bashor Bengto (Translation of Love and the Frog of Basho, 2022). She also writes columns in Assamese newspapers regularly. A professional gynaecologist, Nilima has also written a book of prose Doctoror Diary (Doctor’s Diary, 2003) and published a novel Jalarekha (Lines on Water, 2007).
She is an active member of Gauhati Artists’ Guild and life member of Assam Lekhika Sanstha. Her poems have been translated into different Indian languages including Bengali, Oriya, Rajasthani, Hindi and English.