A poignant tribute unfolded in Sydney’s Hyde Park as members of the community gathered at dusk to commemorate the life of Bikram Lama, a 32-year-old man who tragically died while homeless. Holding electric candles adorned in shades of blue, red, white, and purple, attendees expressed their sorrow and solidarity, highlighting the urgent need for awareness around homelessness and the systemic failures that allow such tragedies to occur.
A Community United in Grief
The gathering was marked by heartfelt speeches and emotional performances, with Erin Longbottom, a homelessness support worker, delivering a particularly stirring address. Her words resonated deeply: “No one should be left to die in the middle of Sydney, alone and unseen.” Longbottom, who worked with Lama prior to his death, emphasised the importance of recognising the humanity in every individual, especially those facing the harsh realities of homelessness.
“Bikram came here with hope for a future,” she continued, recalling his aspirations for education and opportunity. “He lived, he struggled, and ultimately, he died unseen.” The stark reality of his death—left undiscovered for nearly a week—serves as a grim reminder of the pervasive invisibility that often shrouds those experiencing homelessness.
A Life Cut Short: The Struggles of Non-Residents
Bikram Lama, originally from Nepal, faced the compounded difficulties of homelessness and non-resident status, which significantly hindered his access to support services. His untimely passing raised serious concerns among the Australian-Nepalese community, particularly regarding the identification process of his remains, which has added to the family’s anguish.
Bam Bunyalak, who also spoke at the vigil, shared her own experiences of homelessness after arriving in Australia on a student visa. She poignantly described the challenges non-residents face, stating, “Being a non-resident can feel like a disease with many symptoms. Homelessness is one of them.” Her call for recognition and compassion underscored the need for systemic change to prevent others from facing similar fates.
Calls for Accountability and Change
The vigil also attracted political attention, with independent MP Alex Greenwich advocating for an inquest into Lama’s death. He expressed concern over policies that disproportionately affect homeless individuals who are non-residents, stressing that these need urgent reevaluation. “Bikram died just 200 metres from NSW Parliament,” he noted, highlighting the proximity of decision-makers to the harsh realities faced by vulnerable populations.
Greenwich’s comments were echoed by other speakers who lamented the recent spate of tragic deaths among the homeless, including a newborn at a homeless camp and a young Indigenous mother in Western Australia. The collective outcry from advocates and community members reflects a growing urgency to address the systemic issues that lead to such heartbreaking outcomes.
A Moment for Reflection
As the candles flickered in the twilight, attendees were reminded of the broader implications of Bikram Lama’s story. The gathering was not merely a farewell, but a clarion call for society to confront the uncomfortable truths about homelessness. Longbottom encapsulated this sentiment when she stated, “Homelessness is solvable—if we as a society choose to solve it.”
Why it Matters
The tragic loss of Bikram Lama serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for systemic change in how we address homelessness. It compels us to confront our societal responsibilities and fosters a greater understanding of the complexities surrounding non-resident individuals. As communities come together in grief, there lies an opportunity to advocate for policies that ensure every life is valued, and no one is left to suffer in silence. The time has come to transform this tragedy into action, urging society to recognise that the fight against homelessness is not just a policy issue, but a profound moral imperative.
