Chess Star Vidit Gujrathi Defends Family's Medical Titles in Heated Online Exchange

Indian chess Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi found himself in a heated online debate after a social media user challenged the use of the title "doctor" for his family members in a National Doctors' Day post.

The disagreement arose after Gujrathi shared a message celebrating his family, including his father, an ayurvedic specialist, his mother, a cosmetologist, his sister, a physiotherapist, and his wife, a homeopathy practitioner.

Vidit Gujrathi celebrates his family on social media.

The controversy ignited when a user with the handle 'TheLiverDoc' commented that none of Gujrathi's relatives were "really doctors."

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."

Vidit Gujrathi's social media rebuttal.

'TheLiverDoc', identifying himself as a hepatologist, issued a detailed response to clarify his position and qualifications. He stated that he did not intend to offend Gujrathi's family but was expressing his 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.

The medical professional further elaborated on his views regarding alternative medicine: "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."

Social media post by Vidit Gujrathi.

TheLiverDoc emphasized his credentials and 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."

Gujrathi concluded the exchange by defending his original post and his family members: "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: "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."