Chess Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi Defends Family's Medical Professions After Online Criticism

Indian chess Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi recently engaged in a heated exchange on social media, defending his family's professional qualifications after a user questioned their legitimacy as doctors. The dispute arose following Gujrathi's National Doctors' Day post, in which he celebrated his father (an ayurvedic specialist), mother (a cosmetologist), sister (a physiotherapist), and wife (a homeopathic doctor).

Vidit Gujrathi. (PTI Photo)

The controversy ignited when a user known as 'TheLiverDoc' commented that none of Gujrathi's family members were "really doctors." This remark prompted a strong response from the chess grandmaster.

Social media post by Vidit Gujrathi on X.

Gujrathi retorted, "Your entire brand and personality is built on insulting others. While you chase retweets by tearing people down, my family quietly heals lives without needing a spotlight. They've helped more people than your ego can count. Stay in your lane. And for a change, try being useful."

'TheLiverDoc', who identifies as a hepatologist, subsequently issued a detailed response defending his stance and outlining his credentials. He clarified that his intention was not to offend Gujrathi's family but rather to state factual information from a professional perspective.

"Hello, Vidit. I am not a fan of chess, but you are an important person for our country and I did not mean to offend your family. I am sure they are good people. I was stating plain facts from a professional standpoint and I do not mince my words. You may call that ego or whatever, to console yourself, no problem," TheLiverDoc stated.

The medical professional further elaborated on his views regarding alternative medicine, stating, "Your statement on Doctors Day claiming an Ayurveda practitioner, Homeopath, Cosmetologist and a Physiotherapist were doctors is wrong and I stand by my words. Doctors' Day in India marks both the birth and death anniversary of Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, one of India's most revered physicians and a key figure in shaping the healthcare system."

TheLiverDoc emphasized his own qualifications and the importance of evidence-based medicine, adding, "I am a certified internist with a doctorate in hepatology and liver transplant medicine with 260 peer reviewed scientific publications, 4400 citations and h-index of 30 (just for your information). You don't know me and how useful I am to my patients and their families. I suggest you do a bit of homework before throwing such childish tantrums."

Social media post by Vidit Gujrathi on X.

Gujrathi concluded the exchange by defending his original post and his family members, stating, "I made a simple post out of gratitude. I chose silence at first, because not every conversation deserves a response. But when it turned into mocking my family, I stepped in. If that means stepping out of my lane, so be it."

The chess grandmaster further asserted, "You and trolls like you don't get to decide who's a doctor. You have no authority to define others lives or dismiss their work. I've said my part. Now, back to what actually matters. No time for noise."