Deka demonstrated self-reliance, even in the city. Deka wrote and edited a total of 30 books, mostly in Assamese. Some of her writing, including short stories, have been translated into English. Deka's books have been reviewed by Maheswar Neog, Bhupen Hazarika, Pramod Chandra Bhattacharya, Sheelabhadra, Rammal Thakuria, Bhabananda Deka, Bisweswar Hazarika and Kanak Chandra Deka. She had a cordial relationship with Bhupen Hazarika and Mamoni Raisom Goswami (Indira Goswami), and Hazarika wrote an article about one of her books. A compilation by Deka and her husband entitled "Sahityik Dampati Adhyaksha Bhabananda Deka–Nalini Prava Deka" was introduced on 4 December 2014 in Guwahati. Another book ("An Extraordinary Assamese Couple", about Deka and her husband) was introduced on 28 February 2015 by Dutch scientist and author Constantin Aurel Stere. She wrote three short-story collections, including 2011's "Elandhu" ("Smut", with some English-language stories) and "Ebigha Mati" ("A Plot of Land") (1990). Deka's short stories emphasized brotherhood and religious tolerance. Many of her poems were played and sung by Assamese musicians and singers. Deka began editing a popular children's magazine, "Phul" ("Flower"), in 1987 and printed and published the magazine for several years on her own printing press. Deka was a popular Assamese first-generation female radio playwright in Assam since the early 1970s. Her plays centered around issues concerning women and children, and many were broadcast on All India Radio from Guwahati. Deka acted in some of her radio plays and onstage. Deka was a leading social activist in Assam and played a role in the establishment of national and international organisations, including the Srimanta Sankardev International Foundation, Assam Foundation–India, Delhi Asomiya Sahitya Samaj, Sadou Asam Moina Parijat, Kamrup (undivided) District Sahitya Sabha, Sadou Asam Chemoniya Chora, Pub–Sarania Naamghar, Rajgarh Sahitya Chora, Pohar Proyasi Mohila Samiti, Urvashi Kristi Kendra and Urvashi Sangeet Vidyalay.