Chess Star Vidit Gujrathi Defends Family's Medical Professions in Online Clash with 'LiverDoc'

Vidit Gujrathi, the celebrated Indian chess Grandmaster, found himself in a heated online exchange after a social media personality questioned the qualifications of his family members, all of whom are medical practitioners. The dispute arose following Gujrathi's National Doctors' Day post dedicated to his family.

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

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." This sparked a sharp response from the chess star.

"Your entire brand and personality is built on insulting others," Gujrathi retorted. "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, responded with a detailed explanation of his viewpoint, emphasizing that he intended no offense to Gujrathi's family but was expressing a professional opinion.

He stated, "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."

The medical professional further elaborated on his stance regarding alternative medicine, adding, "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' highlighted his credentials, stressing the significance 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.

Gujrathi concluded the exchange by defending his initial post and his family, asserting, "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."

Vidit Gujrathi. (PTI Photo)

The chess grandmaster further stated: "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."