ERWIN FONSECA
MAPUSA: Vijaydutta Lotlikar requires no introduction as a coconut artist. His journey into the creative world began unexpectedly. “I never dreamed of becoming a coconut artist. It all started when a teacher friend, Matilda D’Souza from Siolim, gifted me a coconut. That coconut sparked my curiosity, and soon, the artist in me was born. The rest is history,” he recalls, proudly showing his first masterpiece made from that very coconut. Over the past 35 years, he has crafted around 2,000 different utility items from coconuts, earning him several awards and opportunities to showcase his work across India.
However, Lotlikar is far from satisfied. During his participation in exhibitions and festivals, he noticed the rising issue of littering, which deeply troubled him. “It felt wrong to promote Goan tradition while my fellow Goans were contributing to the garbage problem, tarnishing our culture,” he said. This inspired him to create awareness about the judicious use of natural resources.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lotlikar dedicated his time to his dream of converting kitchen waste into fuel. Today, he proudly uses only four LPG cylinders a year, relying mainly on his homemade fuel. “We live in an era where convenience is just a click away, but it’s also leading to problems at a click. Our ancestors wisely used kitchen waste in their gardens, but now we dump it on roads and fields. It’s disheartening,” he laments. His simple and safe methane gas system converts kitchen waste into cooking fuel and manure, which he sells. He stresses the importance of moving away from a wasteful lifestyle and toward tapping natural resources for a healthier, more sustainable future.
Lotlikar advocates the use of solar power, sharing how he remained unaffected during a five-day power outage caused by a cyclone three years ago. His home remained fully electrified thanks to solar energy. “I’m prepared for any future rise in gas prices or emergencies,” he says, highlighting the practical advantages of sustainable living.
In addition to his environmental work, Lotlikar has established a small medicinal garden and relies solely on Ayurvedic remedies for his health, further showcasing his commitment to self-sufficiency. His life’s work not only underscores his artistry with coconuts but also makes him a true advocate for
natural resources. If more Goans take inspiration from him, Lotlikar believes that self-reliant households across Goa could soon become
a reality.