Dr. Rita Lakhaniis the Principal of DY Patil School of Nursing in July 2019. She have previously held senior academic and executive positions under two other universities (MUHS University and S. N. D. T. Women's University), including the leadership of a large College of Nursing - Fortis Institute of Nursing, Mulund, Mumbai and is fully committed to the INC Principles of Ethical Conduct. Rita received her M. Sc. from LTCN. SNDT Women's University in Cardio-thoracic nursing (Gold medallist) and her Ph.D. from KIMS, KU, Karad. Rita's teaching career spans 22 years in various faculty positions. In these positions, she has educated nurse-midwives and clinical nurses. She has received the Bharat Vidya Shiromani Award and a Certificate of Education Excellence for outstanding achievements and remarkable role in the field of education on December 18, 2015 at the International Institute of Education & Management and a Certificate of Outstanding Contribution in the field of Education during Asia Education Summit and Awards-2016 by Worldwide Achievers. Besides being member of various professional organizations, Rita is the Vice-President of Oncology Nurses Association of India, Chairperson, Bye-Laws committee with CNRS and in the Apex board of ANGEL#thankanurse national project