As dusk settled over Sydney’s Hyde Park, a poignant gathering took place beneath the sprawling canopy of fig trees. Friends, family, and concerned citizens came together to bid farewell to 32-year-old Bikram Lama, a homeless man whose life ended tragically just steps away from the bustling city. Attendees held electric candles in vibrant hues of blue, red, white, and purple, creating a hauntingly beautiful tribute to a life cut short and a stark reminder of the struggles faced by those living on the streets.
A Life Remembered
Erin Longbottom, a dedicated homelessness support worker, delivered a stirring address that encapsulated the community’s grief and outrage. “No one should be left to die alone and unseen in the heart of Sydney,” she proclaimed, speaking on behalf of those who had fought to support Bikram before his untimely death. Longbottom, who manages the nursing unit at St Vincent’s homeless health service, revealed that Bikram’s non-resident status severely limited the help he could receive.
“Late last year, we arrived at work to the heartbreaking news that one of the young non-residents we had been trying to support had died,” she recounted. “That was Bikram. Tonight, we remember him—a young man who came to this country filled with hope, seeking education and opportunity, yet who ultimately struggled and died unnoticed.”
The Circumstances of His Passing
Bikram, who emigrated from Nepal, is believed to have laid undiscovered for nearly a week before being found by railway staff. By the time he was located, his condition had deteriorated significantly. The subsequent process of identification became a painful ordeal for his elderly mother, who was required to travel from her remote village in Kathmandu to provide a DNA sample. As the coroner’s court waits for this formal identification, the Australian-Nepalese community voices its frustration over the delays, which continue to weigh heavily on Bikram’s grieving family.
Voices of Experience
Among those at the vigil was Bam Bunyalak, a former student who, like Bikram, faced the harsh realities of homelessness as a non-resident in Australia. Having fled family violence in Thailand, Bunyalak shared her own harrowing experiences of living without support or access to healthcare. “Being a non-resident in Australia can feel like a disease with many symptoms,” she explained. “Homelessness is one of them, and mental health struggles are another.”
Bunyalak’s powerful statement resonated with many in the crowd. “Bikram deserved a better life,” she lamented. “He never got to say goodbye to his family, and it feels like nobody cared.” Her call for recognition of the humanity within every individual, regardless of their circumstances, reinforced the shared sentiment of the night.
The Call for Change
Independent MP Alex Greenwich also spoke at the vigil, expressing his deep concerns regarding the systemic issues that contribute to homelessness. Following Bikram’s death, he met with Premier Chris Minns and reached out to the state attorney general, Michael Daley, advocating for an inquest into potential policy failures. “Bikram died just 200 metres from the New South Wales parliament,” he noted, highlighting the proximity of decision-makers to the realities faced by vulnerable populations.
Greenwich emphasised the necessity of addressing policies that discriminate against rough sleepers, particularly those lacking residency status. He underscored that Bikram’s tragic death is part of a broader pattern, referencing other recent casualties that have sparked national outrage and calls for action.
Why it Matters
The vigil for Bikram Lama serves as a haunting reminder that no one should have to endure the struggles of homelessness alone, much less die unnoticed in the shadows of a city bustling with life. His story is emblematic of the urgent need for systemic change in how society addresses homelessness and supports its most vulnerable members. As voices unite to demand justice and compassion, it becomes clear that every life matters, and the time for meaningful action is now. With the right policies and support systems in place, homelessness can be tackled effectively—if we as a society choose to make it a priority.