Indian chess Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi engaged in a social media dispute after a social media user questioned the legitimacy of his family members being called doctors in a post celebrating National Doctors’ Day. The exchange began when Gujrathi shared a post wishing his family members, including his father, an ayurvedic specialist, his mother, a cosmetologist, his sister, a physiotherapist, and his wife, who holds an MD in homeopathy.The controversy started when a social media user with the handle ‘TheLiverDoc’ commented that none of Gujrathi’s family members were “really doctors.”
Social media post by Vidit Gujrathi on X.
Gujrathi responded strongly to the comment, 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 claims to be a hepatologist, then posted a detailed response explaining his position and credentials. He clarified that he meant no offence to Gujrathi’s family but was stating facts from a professional standpoint.“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 explained his stance on 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 emphasised his credentials and the importance of scientific 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.
The exchange concluded with Gujrathi defending his initial post and 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.”
