User:Kdsrawat
Dinesh Singh Rawat | |
|---|---|
| Born | Haryana, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation(s) | Advocate, Former Journalist, Entrepreneur |
| Known for | Founding ABC News Network and Citizen Express; Legal Practice at DSLA |
| Website | dsla.co.in |
Dinesh Singh Rawat is an Indian advocate, media entrepreneur, and former government servant, widely recognized as a pioneer in the digital journalism movement in Haryana. He is the founder of several media ventures including ABC News Network Private Limited and Citizen Express, India’s first citizen journalism portal. After a distinguished career in journalism and entrepreneurship, he transitioned into legal practice and currently serves as the Managing Partner of Dinesh Singh Law Associates (DSLA) in Chandigarh.
Early Life and Background
[edit]Dinesh Singh Rawat was born in Haryana, India, to Shri Trilok Singh Rawat, an engineer with the Government of Haryana. His father’s untimely death in a car accident when Rawat was just sixteen years old had a profound impact on his life. Despite this personal tragedy, Rawat completed his education with determination and resilience.
He joined the Health Department under the Government of Haryana, where he served for several years. However, his interest in public engagement and civic issues steadily grew. While in service, he enrolled in an evening Mass Communication program at Kurukshetra University, which marked the beginning of his journey into journalism.
Beginnings in Journalism
[edit]After completing his studies in Mass Communication, Rawat took voluntary retirement from his government position and launched his first entrepreneurial venture, ABC News Network Private Limited. At a time when digital media was still in its infancy in India, Rawat’s platform became one of the earliest online news portals in the country.
Rise as a Media Stalwart
[edit]Building on the success of ABC News, Rawat established ABC News and Info Services, a parent holding company through which he launched Citizen Express — India’s first dedicated citizen journalism portal. The initiative allowed ordinary citizens to report stories directly from their communities, empowering them with a voice and creating a participatory news environment.
Citizen Express became a notable success in a short span, earning Rawat widespread recognition in Haryana’s media circles. His work was praised for breaking traditional media hierarchies and for democratizing journalism. He became a familiar figure in public forums, university seminars, and national journalism debates, especially on media ethics, digital platforms, and governance transparency.
Transition to Legal Practice
[edit]Despite his success in media, Rawat’s thirst for learning and social reform remained. Motivated by years of journalistic interaction with the justice system, he decided to formally study law. Upon completing his legal education, he handed over his last media venture, ABC Live, to his son, and turned to full-time legal practice.
Legal Career
[edit]Dinesh Singh Rawat founded Dinesh Singh Law Associates (DSLA), a law firm based in Panchkula, Haryana. The firm provides litigation and advisory services across civil, commercial, education, property, and consumer law, and represents clients at District Courts, High Courts, and the Supreme Court of India.
Rawat’s unique background—blending journalism, public service, and legal education—has helped him build a distinctive legal practice. His deep understanding of India's socio-political landscape gives him a strategic edge in litigation, policy consultation, and legal advocacy.
Legacy and Recognition
[edit]Dinesh Singh