As dusk fell over Sydney, a poignant gathering took place under the sprawling fig trees of Hyde Park, where a diverse group of individuals came together to remember Bikram Lama, a 32-year-old homeless man whose life ended tragically and unnoticed. Holding electric candles in a spectrum of colours—blue, red, white, and purple—attendees gathered to honour a man who had originally arrived in Australia seeking hope and opportunity, only to succumb to the harsh realities of homelessness.
A Life Cut Short
The somber event was marked by heartfelt speeches, including one from Erin Longbottom, a dedicated homelessness support worker with St Vincent’s Health. She lamented the circumstances surrounding Lama’s death, highlighting the systemic failures that leave individuals like him vulnerable. “No one should be left to die in the middle of Sydney, alone and unseen,” she declared, encapsulating the collective grief and frustration shared by those assembled.
Longbottom revealed that Lama had been under the care of her team prior to his death, but his non-resident status complicated efforts to provide adequate support. “A young man who came here with hope, for study, for opportunity, and for a future. A person who lived, and struggled, and died unseen,” she said, honouring his memory during the vigil.
Unseen and Undiscovered
Bikram Lama, who had emigrated from Nepal, was discovered by station staff after lying undiscovered for what is believed to be up to a week. By the time he was found, his body had begun to decompose, a grim symbol of the neglect faced by many in similar situations. In an added layer of tragedy, Lama’s elderly mother was forced to travel from her remote village in Kathmandu to provide a DNA sample for identification, further compounding the grief for both her and the Australian-Nepalese community, who are now calling for accountability and change.
The coroner’s court is still awaiting the results of this identification process, leading to delays that have only intensified the distress felt by his family and supporters.
Voices of Solidarity
Among the mourners was Bam Bunyalak, who shared her own experiences as a homeless non-resident in Australia. After fleeing family violence in Thailand, she spent years without access to healthcare or support, echoing Lama’s struggles. She described the compounded challenges faced by non-residents, referring to the experience as a “disease with many symptoms,” with homelessness and mental health issues being just a few. “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,” she lamented.
Bunyalak’s words resonated with many in the crowd, reinforcing the idea that every life holds value, irrespective of one’s background or residency status. “Today, I stand here as one voice among many non-residents to say that every single life matters, regardless of race, gender identity, background or residency,” she asserted.
Calls for Change
Independent MP Alex Greenwich also spoke at the vigil, stressing the urgent need for policy reform to prevent further tragedies. He revealed that he had met with Premier Chris Minns and communicated with the state Attorney General, Michael Daley, advocating for an inquest into Lama’s death to examine the possible policy shortcomings that may have contributed to his situation. “Lama died only about 200 metres from NSW Parliament,” Greenwich pointed out, underscoring the irony that the very policies governing the city may have played a role in his untimely demise.
His death, alongside other recent incidents including a newborn’s death at a homeless camp and the death of a young Indigenous mother due to sepsis after eviction from public housing, has sparked outrage and concern across the nation. Experts and advocates are urging that these tragedies serve as a pivotal moment for change.
Longbottom, who led the vigil, encapsulated the shared sentiment: “No one should die alone. No one should die invisible. And no one should die because they are homeless.” She called for a collective commitment to addressing homelessness, asserting that it is a solvable issue if society chooses to take action.
Why it Matters
The tragic death of Bikram Lama highlights the urgent need for systemic change in how society addresses homelessness, particularly for vulnerable populations such as non-residents. His story serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding homelessness, urging us to reflect on our collective responsibilities. By acknowledging these harsh realities, we can begin to advocate for policies that foster inclusivity and support rather than neglect, ensuring that no life is lost in silence.
