As dusk settled over Sydney’s Hyde Park, a poignant gathering unfolded beneath the spreading branches of fig trees, where friends and supporters came together to remember Bikram Lama—a 32-year-old homeless man whose life ended in tragic obscurity. Attendees held electric candles in vibrant hues of blue, red, white, and purple, illuminating the night as they paid tribute to a life marked by struggle and hope.
A Life Cut Short
The vigil, which took place on Thursday, was a heartbreaking reminder of the realities faced by many in the homeless community. Erin Longbottom, a dedicated support worker from St Vincent’s Health, conveyed a powerful message about the importance of visibility and compassion for those who often go unseen. “No one should be left to die in the middle of Sydney, alone and unseen,” she declared, her voice choked with emotion.
Those gathered remembered Bikram not just as a statistic but as a young man who arrived in Australia from Nepal with dreams of education and a better future. Longbottom reflected on the pain of losing someone who had been part of their outreach efforts. “Late last year, my team and I arrived at work to the news that one of the young non-residents we had been trying to support had died. That was Bikram. Tonight we remember him.”
Silent Struggles
Bikram’s story took a tragic turn when he was found deceased near St James station, where he had laid undiscovered for several days. By the time his body was located, it was in a state of decomposition, a stark reminder of the brutal reality of homelessness. His elderly mother was then requested to travel from her remote village in Kathmandu to provide a DNA sample for identification—an additional layer of grief for a family already burdened by loss.
The delays in confirming his identity have left the Australian-Nepalese community in a state of frustration and sorrow. Longbottom’s words resonated deeply: “A person who lived, and struggled, and died unseen.”
A Collective Call for Change
Bam Bunyalak, who attended the vigil, shared her own harrowing experience of homelessness. Arriving in Australia from Thailand on a student visa, she escaped domestic violence only to find herself without shelter or access to healthcare. “Homelessness is one of the symptoms,” she remarked, highlighting the broader implications of being a non-resident in Australia. “Bikram Lama deserved a better life, but now he is gone. He did not get the chance to say goodbye to his family.”
The gathering was also attended by independent state MP Alex Greenwich, who expressed his concerns about the systemic issues contributing to such tragedies. He revealed that he had met with Premier Chris Minns and written to Attorney General Michael Daley, advocating for an inquest into the circumstances surrounding Lama’s death. “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 emphatically.
A Wake-Up Call
The vigil was not only a farewell but a rallying cry for change in how society views and addresses homelessness. Longbottom’s passionate plea echoed through the crowd: “No one should die alone, no one should die invisible, and no one should die because they are homeless.” The deaths of Bikram and others like him must serve as a catalyst for urgent reform in policies that affect vulnerable populations.
Why it Matters
The tragic passing of Bikram Lama underscores a critical reality: homelessness is not just a personal failing but a societal issue that demands our collective attention and action. As communities come together to mourn, they also shine a light on the pressing need for compassion, understanding, and systemic change. Each life lost is a reminder that we must strive to create a society where no one is left behind, where every individual is valued, and where hope and support are accessible to all, regardless of their circumstances.