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Inspired by IRMA (the course, teachers and other IRMAns), Neelima worked in the voluntary sector from 1984 to 2012, after which she moved to the corporate sector – first to Coca-Cola and later to Vedanta.

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What were the game-changers that gave her a jumpstart? First was the Ford Foundation grant to IRMA, which enabled people like her to join the voluntary sector, without worrying about an employment bond or student loan. Second, was her decision to move to the for-profit space after almost three decades in the not-for-profit space. It has, in a manner, ensured her a ceaseless and seamless learning.

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Neelima was awarded the Laxmipat Singhania IIM-L Young Leaders Award in 2006 by the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as well as the Maharana Mewar Award for Service. She has also been invited to speak at TEDx.

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Neelima believes that her friends, mentors and family have been the key sparks throughout her career.

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As a young grad fresh out of IRMA, she took with her an overwhelming desire to connect with communities and the simplicity, beauty, wisdom and generosity of the everyday lives of countless villagers and colleagues that she has worked with, inspire her throughout her beautiful journey.