Chess Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi Defends Family's Medical Professions in Heated Social Media Clash

Indian chess Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi has become embroiled in a social media dispute after a user questioned the professional legitimacy of his family members, who he had celebrated as doctors on National Doctors' Day.

The disagreement arose after Gujrathi posted a message honoring his father, an ayurvedic specialist; his mother, a cosmetologist; his sister, a physiotherapist; and his wife, a homeopathic doctor.

Social media post by Vidit Gujrathi on X.

The user, known as 'TheLiverDoc', commented that Gujrathi's family members were not "really doctors," sparking a heated exchange.

Gujrathi responded sharply, stating: "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."

Social media post by Vidit Gujrathi on X.

'TheLiverDoc', who identifies as a hepatologist, defended his stance in a detailed post, clarifying that he did not intend to offend Gujrathi's family but was expressing a professional opinion.

"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 wrote.

He 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 further emphasized his qualifications and the importance of evidence-based medicine, saying, "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: "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 added a final thought: "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."