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

Vidit Gujrathi, the celebrated Indian chess Grandmaster, recently found himself embroiled in a heated online exchange after a social media user questioned the legitimacy of his family members' medical titles. The dispute arose from a post Gujrathi shared on National Doctors' Day, expressing gratitude to 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".

Social media post by Vidit Gujrathi on X.

Gujrathi responded forcefully, 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', identifying himself as a hepatologist, defended his position by clarifying that he did not intend to offend Gujrathi's family, but was simply stating facts from a professional perspective.

He elaborated: "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."

The medical professional further justified his stance on 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' also highlighted his credentials, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based medicine: "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 firmly defending his initial 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."