A poignant gathering took place at Sydney’s Hyde Park as a community came together to remember Bikram Lama, a 32-year-old man whose life ended tragically in obscurity. Under the sprawling branches of the park’s fig trees, attendees lit electric candles in vibrant hues, symbolising their grief and solidarity for a man who faced the harsh realities of homelessness.
A Heartfelt Farewell
As dusk descended, friends, community members, and advocates for the homeless congregated to honour Lama, who died alone and undiscovered for an estimated week. Erin Longbottom, a dedicated homelessness support worker from St Vincent’s Health, delivered a stirring message, urging that no one should have to die alone in the heart of the city.
“Tonight we remember Bikram. 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 stated, highlighting the painful circumstances surrounding his death.
The Struggles of a Non-Resident
Lama, who emigrated from Nepal with aspirations of studying computer science, fell into homelessness following a series of unfortunate events. His body was discovered by station staff in a state of decomposition, a grim reminder of the city’s ongoing struggle with homelessness.
Longbottom elaborated on the barriers faced by non-residents like Lama, stating that his lack of residency severely limited his access to vital support services. The delay in formal identification processes has compounded the family’s distress, with Lama’s elderly mother compelled to journey from her remote village in Kathmandu to provide a DNA sample.
Voices from the Community
At the vigil, Bam Bunyalak shared her personal experiences of homelessness, having fled domestic violence in Thailand. She eloquently articulated the multifaceted struggles that non-residents face in Australia, declaring, “Homelessness is one of the symptoms. Mental health struggles is another.”
Bunyalak’s heartfelt words resonated with many, as she called for recognition of the intrinsic value of every life, irrespective of background, race, or residency status. “Bikram Lama deserved a better life, but now he is gone. It feels like nobody cared,” she lamented, echoing the sentiments of many in attendance.
A Call for Policy Change
Independent MP Alex Greenwich also spoke at the vigil, stressing the need for an inquest to examine the systemic failures that contributed to Lama’s death. He has met with Premier Chris Minns and has called for policy reforms to address the plight of non-resident rough sleepers.
“Only 200 metres away from NSW Parliament, Bikram died,” Greenwich noted, pointing out the proximity of decision-makers to the issue. “It is within those walls that policies are crafted that may have played a role in his tragic fate.”
His death is part of a distressing trend, with recent weeks bringing other harrowing stories, including the death of a newborn at a homeless camp and the loss of an Indigenous mother due to systemic inequities.
Why it Matters
The gathering for Bikram Lama is more than just a memorial; it serves as a clarion call for society to confront the harsh realities of homelessness. It is a reminder that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, deserves dignity and respect. This tragedy highlights the urgent need for comprehensive policy reforms and community support systems that ensure no one is left to suffer in silence. It challenges us to rethink the structures that allow such injustices to occur and to foster a society where every life is valued and no one faces the streets alone.