Neelu was born on 25th October 1972, to an Airforce Officer and a homemaker mother in Patna. Neelus upbringing was marked by a nomadic lifestyle, owing to her fathers transferable job. She pursued her schooling from various branches of Kendriya Vidyalaya across the nation, imbibing diverse cultures and experiences along the way. She was also very active in sports and extra-curricular activities at school, namely playing basketball at a national level, and represented India at the Asian Pacific Scout Guide Rally as a Junior Guide. She finally settled in Agra for higher education.
Neelu embarked on her journey of matrimony in July 1994, tying the knot with businessman MPHF Digamber Singh Dhakrey. Their union has been blessed with the joy of parenthood, gracing them with a daughter named Akanksha and a son named Utkarsh. Akanksha is a filmmaker settled in Mumbai, while Utkarsh is pursuing an MBA from IIM Kozhikode. Both Neelu and husband Digamber are MPHFs while both their children are PHFs.
Academically inclined, Neelu holds dual postgraduate degrees, in English and Education, reflecting her passion for knowledge and learning. Professionally, she serves as the Director of Lexica Group, a pharma company, bringing her expertise and leadership skills to the forefront.
Neelu was elected for the post of District Editor of District 311 in the year 2018-2019. Within the Inner Wheel Club, Neelus journey is one of unwavering dedication and service. She has held various pivotal roles at both club and district levels, showcasing her commitment to the organizations principles. From Club Secretary to President, and from Membership Growth Committee and Retention to serving as District Treasurer, Neelu has done it all and has left a mark of excellence and proficiency in each role she undertook.
Neelu hosted two North-Zone meets in 2016-17 and 2017-18 in Agra. She also participated in three Triennial Conferences and a Convention among various association events and district events.
Her contributions have not gone unnoticed, as Neelu has been honoured with prestigious awards such as Best Secretary and Best President, reflecting her outstanding leadership and commitment to service. She has represented her club at numerous district-level programs, earning accolades and recognition for her exceptional contributions.
Neelus dedication extends beyond the confines of Inner Wheel which she joined in August 2010, as she actively engages in various social endeavours. Neelu started her journey in social services in 2002. She would counsel and organise various programs about Family Planning and Personal Hygiene for Women in rural areas in North India. She was also one of the organizers of a large-scale hundred-day-long anti-tobacco campaign. Neelu served as the first female President of Rotary Club of Agra (2017-2018)in eighty-one years of its existence. She is also a patron of the Agra Wrestling Association. From serving as Akanksha Mahila Paramarshdatri to counselling at Shishu Sadan, her involvement in organizations like Rotary Club of Agra and Sparsh Charity Club exemplifies her passion for social welfare and community upliftment.
Her efforts have garnered acclaim from institutions like Hindustan Times Woman of the Year Award (2017), Amar Ujala, Hindustan Group, Prime News, India TV, FM Tadka, Fever FMs Sashakt Nari Award as well as prestigious awards like the Rani Lakshmi Bai Award. Neelus commitment to hygiene and literacy has earned her recognition from organizations like Aashirwaad Society, Van Bandhu, and Akhil Bhartiya Mahila Parishad, further solidifying her status as a beacon of change in her community.
Beyond her professional and social engagements, Neelu finds solace and joy in hobbies like public speaking, adventure sports, and forging new friendships. Her multifaceted persona, coupled with her dedication to service, makes her an inspiring figure within Inner Wheel and beyond.