As dusk fell over Sydney’s Hyde Park, a gathering of mourners illuminated the evening with electric candles in vibrant hues of blue, red, white, and purple, paying tribute to Bikram Lama. The 32-year-old man, who died while living rough, was remembered for his hope for a better life—one that tragically slipped away in obscurity.
A Life Cut Short
The vigil, attended by community members and advocates, served as a poignant reminder of the harsh realities faced by many in the homeless population. Erin Longbottom, a support worker from St Vincent’s Health, addressed the crowd, emphasising that no one should meet such a fate—alone and unnoticed in the heart of a bustling city.
“Tonight we remember Bikram,” she stated. “A young man who came here with hope for study and opportunity, who lived, struggled, and ultimately died unseen.”
Bikram, originally from Nepal, had been attempting to forge a new life in Australia, but his struggles with homelessness left him vulnerable. Reports suggest that he lay undiscovered for nearly a week. By the time his body was found near St James station, it had already begun to decompose.
Community Calls for Action
In a heartbreaking twist, Bikram’s elderly mother was required to journey from her remote village in Kathmandu to provide a DNA sample for identification. This delay has caused additional anguish for his family, prompting frustration within the Australian-Nepalese community.
Bam Bunyalak, who also attended the vigil, shared her own experiences of homelessness. Having arrived from Thailand on a student visa, she spoke of the challenges faced by non-residents in Australia, describing the status as a “disease with many symptoms,” with homelessness being a significant consequence.
“Bikram deserved a better life,” she reflected. “He didn’t get the chance to say goodbye to his family, and it feels as though no one cared.”
Policy Failures Under Scrutiny
Independent MP Alex Greenwich, who was present at the memorial, expressed deep concern over the systemic issues that may have contributed to Bikram’s death. He revealed that he had met with Premier Chris Minns and urged the state attorney general to initiate an inquest into the circumstances surrounding Bikram’s passing.
“Policies at both state and federal levels often discriminate against rough sleepers who are non-residents,” Greenwich lamented. “Bikram died just 200 metres from the NSW Parliament, where decisions affecting his life were made.”
His passing is part of a troubling trend, with other recent deaths in the homeless community highlighting the urgent need for reform. Experts believe these incidents must serve as a catalyst for change in how society addresses homelessness.
A Call to Humanity
The overall sentiment at the vigil was one of solidarity and urgency. Longbottom’s words resonated deeply: “No one should die alone. No one should die invisible. And no one should die because they are homeless. Homelessness is solvable—if we, as a society, choose to solve it.”
The gathering concluded with the hope that Bikram Lama’s story would inspire action and change. As the candles flickered in the night, they symbolised more than just remembrance—they represented a collective commitment to ensuring that no one else is left to struggle in silence.
Why it Matters
The tragic story of Bikram Lama underscores a critical issue facing urban centres worldwide: the plight of the homeless. His untimely death serves as a stark reminder of the systemic failures that allow individuals to fall through the cracks. It compels us to reflect on our collective responsibility to create a society where every life is valued, regardless of circumstances. As communities rally for justice and reform, it is imperative that we advocate for compassionate policies that address the root causes of homelessness, ensuring that no one else must endure a fate like Bikram’s.
