In a poignant tribute under the sprawling fig trees of Hyde Park, Sydney, friends, family, and supporters gathered to remember Bikram Lama, a 32-year-old man whose life ended tragically and unnoticed on the streets. The vigil, held at dusk, featured participants holding electric candles in vibrant hues of blue, red, white, and purple, symbolising the hope that was snuffed out too soon. Lama’s story has stirred emotions and raised critical questions about the systemic failures that allowed a man, who arrived in Australia seeking opportunity, to die in solitude.
A Life Cut Short
As the gathering took place, Erin Longbottom, a dedicated homelessness support worker from St Vincent’s Health, delivered a heartfelt message reflecting the deep sorrow and outrage felt by many. “No one should be left to die in the middle of Sydney, alone and unseen,” she asserted, emphasising that Bikram’s tragic fate is emblematic of a much larger issue facing countless individuals in Australia.
Lama, who emigrated from Nepal with dreams of studying and building a future, faced insurmountable challenges that ultimately led to his untimely demise. His body lay undiscovered near St James station for an agonising week, a stark reminder of the invisibility that often shrouds the homeless community.
Community Grief and Anger
The vigil was not only a memorial but also a call to action. Friends like Joe Trueman, a former rough sleeper, strummed the familiar tune of Phil Collins’ “Another Day in Paradise” on his guitar, encapsulating the bittersweet reality of homelessness.
Longbottom recounted the moment her team learned of Lama’s death, describing the deep sense of loss and frustration they felt in their inability to prevent such tragedies. “A young man who came here with hope, for study, for opportunity, and for a future. A person who lived, and struggled, and died unseen,” she mourned.
The aftermath of Lama’s death has been particularly distressing for his family in Nepal. Following the discovery of his body, his elderly mother was compelled to travel from her remote village to Kathmandu to provide a DNA sample for formal identification. The coroner’s court is still awaiting this process to conclude, creating prolonged anguish for the Australian-Nepalese community and highlighting the pervasive issues surrounding homelessness and immigration status.
The Voice of Experience
Bam Bunyalak, who also attended the vigil, shared her own harrowing experiences of homelessness as a non-resident in Australia. After fleeing family violence in Thailand, she faced years of hardship, devoid of access to healthcare and basic support. Her powerful words resonated with many: “Homelessness is one of the symptoms. Mental health struggles is another.”
Bunyalak passionately advocated for recognition of every life, asserting that people like Bikram should never feel forgotten. “He deserved a better life, but now he is gone. He did not get the chance to say goodbye to his family, and it feels like nobody cared,” she lamented.
Calls for Policy Reform
Independent state MP Alex Greenwich, who also attended the vigil, expressed his dismay at the systemic failures that contributed to Lama’s death. He revealed that he had met with Premier Chris Minns and written to Attorney General Michael Daley, urging for an inquest to investigate the policies affecting non-resident rough sleepers. “It is in that house and in our parliament that policies are made, decisions are made, that may very well have contributed to the death of Bikram,” he stated, highlighting the proximity of Lama’s death to the seat of power.
Lama’s tragic demise is part of a troubling trend, with other recent incidents—including the death of a newborn at a homeless camp and another young mother’s death from sepsis after being evicted—shattering the nation’s conscience. Experts and advocacy groups assert that these deaths must serve as a turning point in addressing homelessness in Australia.
Why it Matters
The vigil for Bikram Lama serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive reform in Australia’s approach to homelessness. It underscores the harsh realities faced by vulnerable populations, particularly those without stable residency, and the critical importance of ensuring that no one is left to perish in silence. As we reflect on Bikram’s life, we must also confront the uncomfortable truths about systemic inadequacies and work collectively towards a future where every individual is valued, seen, and supported, regardless of their circumstances.
