A poignant gathering unfolded at Sydney’s Hyde Park as a community came together to pay tribute to Bikram Lama, a 32-year-old man who tragically succumbed to homelessness and lay undiscovered for days. Holding electric candles in hues of blue, red, white, and purple, mourners illuminated the darkening sky, sending a powerful message that no one should face such an end, alone and unseen.
A Life Cut Short
The vigil, held beneath the sprawling fig trees of Hyde Park, was marked by emotional speeches and heartfelt music. Erin Longbottom, a dedicated homelessness support worker from St Vincent’s Health, conveyed the deep sorrow felt by those who had tried to assist Lama. “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,” she shared. “That was Bikram. Tonight, we remember him.”
Lama had journeyed from Nepal to Australia seeking education and opportunity, but his dreams were tragically cut short. The coroner’s court is currently awaiting formal identification of his remains, as his mother was asked to travel from her remote village in Kathmandu to provide a DNA sample. This delay has caused further distress for the Australian-Nepalese community, underscoring the urgent need for a more compassionate response to those in need.
Shared Experiences of Struggle
Among those who gathered was Bam Bunyalak, a woman who has experienced homelessness herself after escaping family violence in Thailand. She articulated the struggles faced by non-residents in Australia, describing it as akin to living with a “disease with many symptoms.” Bunyalak poignantly remarked, “Bikram Lama deserved a better life, but now he is gone. He did not get the chance to say goodbye to his family, and it feels like nobody cared.”
Her words resonated deeply with the crowd, highlighting the often-overlooked plight of non-residents who find themselves on the streets, battling not only homelessness but also mental health issues and a lack of access to essential services.
A Call for Policy Change
Independent MP Alex Greenwich also addressed the gathering, calling for a thorough inquiry into Lama’s death and the policies that may have contributed to his tragic fate. “I’m concerned that at a state and federal level, we have policies that discriminate against rough sleepers who are non-residents,” he stated, emphasising that no one should have to endure such suffering in a country as prosperous as Australia. He pointed out that Lama’s death occurred a mere 200 metres from the New South Wales parliament, where crucial decisions about homelessness are made.
This incident is part of a troubling trend, with recent weeks witnessing multiple tragic fatalities linked to homelessness across the nation. Experts and advocates agree that these deaths should serve as a wake-up call, urging society to confront the systemic issues that allow such tragedies to continue.
Why it Matters
The vigil for Bikram Lama is not just a remembrance of one individual; it is a clarion call for action against homelessness in Australia. It highlights the urgent need for compassionate policies that recognise the humanity of all individuals, regardless of their residency status. As we reflect on the heartbreaking loss of Bikram, let it galvanise us to demand change, ensuring that no one else faces the same fate – alone and invisible. It is imperative that we come together as a society, recognising that homelessness is not an insurmountable problem, but a challenge we can solve if we choose to do so.
