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In a poignant gathering beneath the fig trees of Hyde Park, Sydney, a crowd came together at dusk to remember Bikram Lama, a 32-year-old man who tragically passed away while homeless. Holding electric candles in shades of blue, red, white, and purple, the attendees paid tribute to a life lost too soon, with calls for a societal reckoning on homelessness and its underlying issues.
A Life Cut Short
Bikram Lama, who emigrated from Nepal with dreams of a better future, was discovered deceased near St James station, reportedly having lain undiscovered for nearly a week. His untimely death has sparked outrage and sorrow, highlighting the harsh realities faced by many non-residents in Australia. Erin Longbottom, a homelessness support worker, delivered a heartfelt message during the vigil, stating, “No one should be left to die in the middle of Sydney, alone and unseen.”
As the sun set, friends and supporters gathered, reflecting on Lama’s aspirations and struggles. Joe Trueman, a former rough sleeper, strummed the guitar, playing Phil Collins’ “Another Day in Paradise,” a poignant reminder of the societal neglect faced by homeless individuals.
Community Outcry for Change
Longbottom, who leads a homeless health service at St Vincent’s, revealed that her team had been trying to assist Lama prior to his death. However, his non-resident status posed significant barriers to accessing the necessary support. “That was Bikram. Tonight we remember him,” she said, emphasising the need for systemic change to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
Lama’s mother has been asked to travel from her remote village in Nepal to provide a DNA sample for identification purposes, further complicating an already tragic situation. This delay has caused additional distress for the Australian-Nepalese community, who are rallying for swift resolution in honour of his memory.
Voices from the Margins
Among the attendees was Bam Bunyalak, who shared her own harrowing experience of homelessness after fleeing family violence in Thailand. She spoke passionately about the struggles of non-residents in Australia, describing their plight as akin to a “disease with many symptoms,” with homelessness being just one manifestation. “Bikram Lama deserved a better life, but now he is gone,” she lamented, urging the crowd to acknowledge that every life matters, regardless of one’s background or residency status.
Independent MP Alex Greenwich also addressed the gathering, revealing that he had met with Premier Chris Minns and urged for an inquest into Lama’s death. He expressed concern over policies that may discriminate against rough sleepers, particularly those who are non-residents. “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, calling for accountability and reform.
A Call to Action
Lama’s death is not an isolated incident; it follows other heartbreaking cases, including the death of a newborn at a homeless camp and a young Indigenous mother who succumbed to sepsis after eviction from