Chess Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi Fires Back at Critic Over Family's Medical Credentials

Vidit Gujrathi, the celebrated Indian chess Grandmaster, recently found himself in a heated online exchange after a social media user challenged the professional standing of his family members. The user, known as 'TheLiverDoc,' questioned their credentials in response to Gujrathi's National Doctors' Day post.

Gujrathi's initial post celebrated his father, an ayurvedic specialist; his mother, a cosmetologist; his sister, a physiotherapist; and his wife, a homeopathy MD holder.

Vidit Gujrathi's Doctors' Day post.

The controversy ignited when 'TheLiverDoc' commented that Gujrathi's family members were not "really doctors".

Gujrathi swiftly responded, 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 strong words to the critic.

'TheLiverDoc', identifying himself as a hepatologist, defended his stance in a detailed reply. He clarified that his intention wasn't to offend Gujrathi's family, but rather to present facts 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 was stating plain facts from a professional standpoint."

He 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." He emphasized that Doctor's Day in India commemorates Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, a highly respected physician and a key figure in India's healthcare development.

'TheLiverDoc' also highlighted his own qualifications: "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... 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."

Vidit Gujrathi's resolute defense of his family.

Gujrathi concluded the exchange by defending his original post and his family, stating, "I made a simple post out of gratitude... when it turned into mocking my family, I stepped in." He 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... No time for noise."