As twilight descended upon Sydney, a poignant gathering took place under the sprawling branches of a fig tree in Hyde Park to honour the memory of Bikram Lama, a 32-year-old man who tragically passed away while homeless. Candles in vibrant shades of blue, red, white, and purple flickered in the hands of mourners, illuminating the shadows of a crisis that often goes unnoticed in urban life.
A Life Cut Short
The emotional gathering drew attention to the critical issues surrounding homelessness and the systemic failures that leave many vulnerable individuals without support. Erin Longbottom, a homelessness support worker, delivered a heartfelt tribute to Lama, urging the crowd to reflect on the circumstances that led to his untimely death.
“No one should be left to die in the middle of Sydney, alone and unseen,” she stated, emphasising the need for societal change. Longbottom shared that Lama, who had come to Australia from Nepal with dreams of education and opportunity, had struggled to access the necessary support, ultimately leading to his death.
Lama’s life ended under tragic circumstances; it is believed he lay undiscovered for nearly a week, his body found by station staff in a state of decomposition. The heart-wrenching reality was compounded by the distress of his family, particularly his elderly mother, who was required to journey to Kathmandu to provide a DNA sample for identification. This bureaucratic hurdle has sparked frustration within the Australian-Nepalese community, who feel the prolonged process adds to their collective grief.
Voices from the Community
The vigil also featured voices from individuals who have experienced the harsh realities of homelessness. Bam Bunyalak, who shared her own harrowing journey of escaping family violence and living without access to healthcare, articulated the myriad challenges faced by non-residents in Australia.
“Being a non-resident here can feel like a disease with many symptoms, one of which is homelessness,” Bunyalak remarked. She poignantly noted that Bikram Lama deserved a better life, lamenting the lack of care and support that contributed to his tragic fate.
Her heartfelt words resonated with the crowd, as she called for recognition of the inherent value of every life, regardless of one’s background or immigration status. “Today, I stand here as a non-resident, one voice among many non-residents to say that every single life matters,” she asserted.
Calls for Change
Independent state MP Alex Greenwich also addressed the gathering, revealing that he had met with Premier Chris Minns to discuss the need for an inquest into Lama’s death. He highlighted the potential policy failures that may have contributed to this tragedy. “I’m concerned that, at both state and federal levels, we have policies that discriminate against rough sleepers who are non-residents,” Greenwich stated.
The location of Lama’s death, merely 200 metres from the New South Wales Parliament, underscored the disconnect between policymaking and the realities faced by those living on the streets. Greenwich’s plea reflects a growing sentiment among advocates that systemic change is essential to prevent future tragedies.
A Nation in Mourning
The death of Bikram Lama is not an isolated incident. It follows other recent tragedies, including the death of a newborn in a homeless camp and the passing of a young Indigenous mother from sepsis after being evicted from public housing. Such events have sparked outrage and calls for immediate action from experts and homelessness organisations across the country.
Erin Longbottom encapsulated the collective sentiment of the vigil when she stated, “No one should die alone, no one should die invisible, and no one should die because they are homeless.” She insisted that homelessness is a solvable issue if society is willing to tackle it head-on.
Why it Matters
The vigil for Bikram Lama serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in how Australia addresses homelessness. This tragic loss of life sheds light on a pressing public health and social justice issue, urging citizens and policymakers to confront the systemic barriers that render individuals like Lama invisible. As the nation grapples with the implications of his death, it becomes increasingly clear that meaningful change is not only necessary but imperative to ensure that no one else suffers the same fate. In honouring Lama’s memory, there lies a crucial opportunity to advocate for a future where every individual is seen, valued, and supported.