A simple tweet turned into a broader discussion about who qualifies as a doctor.

What started the online spat?

It began with a wholesome post. On Doctor’s Day, Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi posted a smiling family photo, captioned, “Happy Doctor’s Day to my entire family,” later clarifying that his father is an Ayurvedic migraine specialist, his wife has an MD in Homeopathy, his mother works in cosmetology, and his sister is a physiotherapist.

While the tweet earned thousands of likes, it also drew a critical quote-tweet from Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips, also known online as @theliverdoc. He bluntly wrote, “I am sorry but none of them are really doctors,” igniting a public spat that soon escalated into a war of words.

What we know so far?

Vidit responded sharply, saying, “Your entire brand is built on insulting others. My family quietly heals lives without needing a spotlight.” He accused the liver specialist of chasing clout by tearing others down and added, “Stay in your lane. And for a change, try being useful.”

Dr. Cyriac doubled down. He acknowledged Vidit’s importance as a public figure but defended his stance: “Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Cosmetology are not realistic clinical medicine… and their practitioners are not clinical physicians.” He went on to explain the significance of Doctors’ Day in India, citing Dr. B.C. Roy, and said that calling alternative medicine practitioners “doctors” can mislead the public.

Vidit then posted a final statement: “I made a simple post out of gratitude… but when it turned into mocking my family, I stepped in… You don’t get to decide who’s a doctor.”

Sparks broader Allopathy vs Alternate Medicine debate

Beyond the personal exchange, this clash reopened India’s long-standing debate between traditional medicine and modern clinical practice. The divide between allopathy and alternate systems like Ayurveda and Homeopathy has always existed, but with a public figure like Vidit involved, it took center stage.

While Dr. Cyriac sees such labeling as a public health risk, many believe there should be room for traditional healing systems in India’s diverse medical culture. Regardless, the episode highlights how deeply polarizing the topic of “who qualifies as a doctor” can be.

Public reaction: Mixed voices online

Some users also weighed in on the larger context. One pointed out that as a public figure, Vidit has a responsibility not to spread misinformation, stressing that Doctor’s Day is meant for practitioners of modern medical science, not alternate fields.

However, others defended Vidit, noting that his post was simply a personal tribute to his family, not a debate about medical science, and criticized the backlash as unnecessary trolling.

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