As dusk fell over Sydney’s Hyde Park, a poignant gathering unfolded beneath the sprawling fig trees, where friends, family, and supporters came together to remember Bikram Lama, a 32-year-old man who tragically died while homeless. Holding electric candles in hues of blue, red, white, and purple, attendees reflected on his life—one marked by hope that was ultimately overshadowed by despair.
A Life Cut Short
The vigil on Thursday evening was a moving tribute to Bikram, who had journeyed from Nepal to Australia seeking education and opportunity. Sadly, his dreams turned to tragedy as he became a victim of the city’s homelessness crisis, remaining undiscovered for up to a week before his body was found. Erin Longbottom, a dedicated homelessness support worker from St Vincent’s Health, delivered a heartfelt message, emphasising that no individual should die alone or unnoticed in the heart of a bustling city.
“It’s unacceptable that a young man who came here with hope died without anyone knowing,” Longbottom stated, her voice filled with emotion. “Bikram lived, struggled, and ultimately died unseen—this vigil is a reminder that every life matters.”
The Community’s Call for Change
Bikram’s death has sparked outrage and sadness within the Australian-Nepalese community, as well as broader calls for systemic change. His mother, who lives in a remote village in Nepal, was asked to travel to Kathmandu to provide a DNA sample for formal identification, adding to the family’s distress during this already painful time. The coroner’s court is still awaiting the conclusion of this process, much to the frustration of those who knew and loved Bikram.
At the vigil, Bam Bunyalak shared her own harrowing experiences as a former rough sleeper. Arriving from Thailand on a student visa, she spoke candidly about the isolation and struggles faced by non-residents in Australia. Bunyalak articulated the multifaceted challenges that can lead to homelessness, calling it a “disease with many symptoms,” which often includes mental health issues and a lack of access to essential services.
“Bikram deserved better. He should have had the chance to say goodbye to his family,” she lamented, her words resonating deeply with the crowd. “Every single life matters, regardless of race, gender identity, or residency status.”
A Call to Action
The gathering also attracted political attention, with independent MP Alex Greenwich addressing the crowd. He revealed that he had met with Premier Chris Minns to discuss the urgent need for an inquest into Bikram’s death. Greenwich voiced concerns that current policies disproportionately affect rough sleepers who lack residency status.
“It is alarming that Bikram died just 200 metres from Parliament House, where decisions are made that impact lives like his,” Greenwich remarked, underscoring the responsibility of lawmakers to address the systemic issues contributing to homelessness. His sentiments echoed the frustrations of many who believe that the deaths of individuals like Bikram must serve as a catalyst for change.
A National Crisis
Bikram’s story is not an isolated incident; it reflects a growing crisis in Australia. Recent weeks have seen a disturbing rise in homelessness-related tragedies, including the deaths of a newborn at a homeless camp and a young Indigenous mother who succumbed to sepsis after being evicted from public housing. Experts and advocacy groups are now calling for urgent reforms to ensure that no one else suffers the same fate as Bikram.
“No one should die alone or invisible,” Longbottom reiterated, emphasising the moral imperative for society to confront homelessness head-on. “Homelessness is solvable if we collectively choose to address it.”
Why it Matters
The tragic death of Bikram Lama serves as a heart-wrenching reminder of the urgent need for compassion and systemic change in addressing homelessness. His vigil was not just a farewell; it was a call to action for all of us to recognise the humanity in every individual, regardless of their circumstances. As communities come together to honour his memory, there lies an opportunity to advocate for policies that prioritise dignity and support for those facing the harsh realities of homelessness. The time for change is now, and Bikram’s legacy may very well ignite the spark needed for a more inclusive society.
