Chess Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi Defends Family Against Online Doctor Credentials Attack

Vidit Gujrathi, the celebrated Indian chess Grandmaster, recently found himself in a heated exchange on social media. The dispute arose after a user questioned the credentials of his family members, all of whom are medical professionals, following Gujrathi's National Doctors' Day tribute.

Gujrathi's original post celebrated his father, an ayurvedic specialist; his mother, a cosmetologist; his sister, a physiotherapist; and his wife, a homeopath.

Social media post by Vidit Gujrathi on X.

The controversy ignited when a user known as 'TheLiverDoc' commented that Gujrathi's family members were not "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."

Social media post by Vidit Gujrathi on X.

'TheLiverDoc', identifying himself as a hepatologist, defended his statement, emphasizing he intended no offense but was expressing a professional viewpoint. He argued that including practitioners of alternative medicine in a Doctors' Day celebration, which commemorates the legacy of Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, a pioneer in Indian healthcare, was inappropriate.

TheLiverDoc highlighted his extensive credentials, including numerous scientific publications and citations, underscoring the importance of evidence-based medicine. He asserted he was merely correcting what he perceived as a misrepresentation of the term "doctor."

Social media post by Vidit Gujrathi on X.

Gujrathi stood by his original post, explaining he initially chose to ignore the criticism, but felt compelled to respond when his family was targeted. He firmly stated that critics have no right to define who is considered a doctor or to diminish their contributions. "No time for noise," he concluded, signaling his intent to move on from the controversy.