As dusk fell over Sydney’s Hyde Park, a poignant gathering unfolded beneath the sprawling fig trees. Friends, family, and supporters came together to pay tribute to Bikram Lama, a 32-year-old who tragically died while homeless in the city. Clutching electric candles in vibrant hues of blue, red, white, and purple, the crowd illuminated the darkening park, embodying a collective grief for a life lost too soon.
A Life Remembered Amid Struggles
The vigil was led by Erin Longbottom, a dedicated homelessness support worker, who articulated a heartfelt message that resonated deeply with those present. “No one should be left to die in the middle of Sydney, alone and unseen,” she proclaimed, her voice breaking with emotion. Longbottom, who had been working with Lama through St Vincent’s Health prior to his passing, shared the painful news that had rocked her team. “Late last year, my team and I arrived at work to learn that a young non-resident we had been trying to support had died. That was Bikram. Tonight we remember him.”
Lama, who had journeyed from Nepal to Australia in search of educational and professional opportunities, faced insurmountable challenges that led to his untimely death. It is believed he lay undiscovered for nearly a week; by the time he was found, his body had already begun to decompose. The heartbreaking circumstances surrounding his passing only deepened the sense of loss felt by those who gathered to honour him.
The Ripple Effects of a Broken System
Among the mourners was Bam Bunyalak, who shared her own harrowing experiences of homelessness and the struggles faced by non-residents in Australia. Having fled family violence in Thailand, Bunyalak found herself without a home, grappling with the same systemic barriers that affected Bikram. “Being a non-resident in Australia can feel like a kind of disease with many symptoms. Homelessness is one of the symptoms; mental health struggles are another,” she explained passionately.
Her words echoed the sentiments of many in the crowd, as she urged that every life matters—regardless of one’s background or residency status. “Bikram Lama deserved a better life, but now he is gone,” she lamented. “He did not get the chance to say goodbye to his family, and it feels like nobody cared.”
Calls for Change and Accountability
The impact of Bikram’s death has rippled through the community, prompting urgent discussions about the government’s responsibility towards vulnerable populations. Independent MP Alex Greenwich addressed the vigil, revealing that he had met with Premier Chris Minns to advocate for an inquest into Lama’s death and the systemic issues surrounding homelessness in the state. “I’m concerned that at both state and federal levels, we have policies that discriminate against rough sleepers who are non-residents,” he stated.
Greenwich highlighted the alarming proximity of Lama’s death to the New South Wales Parliament, a physical reminder of the decisions made within its walls that could have contributed to this tragedy. “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 said, calling for a reassessment of how society addresses homelessness.
A Call to Action
The vigil for Bikram Lama was not just a farewell; it was a rallying cry for change. As Longbottom poignantly remarked, “No one should die alone, no one should die invisible, and no one should die because they are homeless.” The recent spate of deaths among vulnerable individuals, including a newborn at a homeless camp and an Indigenous mother succumbing to sepsis after eviction from public housing, underscores an urgent need for systemic reform.
Why it Matters
The loss of Bikram Lama serves as a stark reminder of the urgent crises affecting homeless communities in Australia and beyond. His story reflects the broader societal failures that allow individuals to slip through the cracks, leaving them vulnerable and unseen. As advocates call for change, it is crucial for society to recognise that homelessness is not just a personal issue but a collective responsibility. The vigils, the tears, and the calls for justice must translate into meaningful action, ensuring that no one else has to endure a fate like Bikram’s.
