Chess Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi Slams Online Critic Over Family's Medical Credentials

Vidit Gujrathi, the Indian chess Grandmaster, recently found himself in a heated online exchange after a social media user questioned the professional standing of his family members. The dispute arose following Gujrathi's post commemorating National Doctors' Day, in which he acknowledged his father (an ayurvedic specialist), mother (a cosmetologist), sister (a physiotherapist), and wife (a homeopathy MD).

Vidit Gujrathi's Doctors Day X post.

The controversy was ignited by a user known as 'TheLiverDoc', who commented that Gujrathi's family members were not "really doctors".

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."

Vidit Gujrathi's response on X.

'TheLiverDoc', who identifies himself as a hepatologist, issued a detailed response defending his remarks. He clarified that he did not intend to offend Gujrathi's family but was expressing his professional viewpoint.

"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 further elaborated on his stance 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."

TheLiverDoc's response on X.

TheLiverDoc also highlighted his medical 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 (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 the legitimacy of his family members' professions. "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."

Vidit Gujrathi. (PTI Photo)