As dusk settled over Sydney’s Hyde Park, a somber gathering of mourners illuminated the scene with electric candles, each flickering light symbolising the life and struggles of Bikram Lama, a 32-year-old homeless man whose body lay undiscovered for nearly a week. Friends, advocates, and community members united under the majestic fig trees to pay their respects and to condemn the societal neglect that led to his untimely death.
A Heartfelt Tribute
The vigil was marked by poignant speeches and heartfelt music, including a performance of Phil Collins’ “Another Day in Paradise” by Lama’s friend, Joe Trueman, a former rough sleeper himself. The gathering served as a powerful reminder of the human cost of homelessness, with Erin Longbottom, a support worker from St Vincent’s Health, emphasising the heartbreaking reality that no one should have to die alone and unseen in the heart of a bustling city.
“Tonight, we remember Bikram,” Longbottom stated, reflecting on the tragic circumstances surrounding Lama’s death. He had arrived in Australia from Nepal with dreams of education and opportunity, but ultimately fell victim to the very system that failed to provide him the support he needed.
The Circumstances of His Death
Lama’s struggle with homelessness was compounded by his non-resident status, which severely limited his access to vital services and support. His body was discovered in Hyde Park, decomposed and alone, prompting an investigation that required his elderly mother to travel from her remote village in Kathmandu to provide a DNA sample for identification. The process has taken longer than expected, frustrating the Australian-Nepalese community and adding to the family’s distress.
Bam Bunyalak, who also faced the harrowing conditions of homelessness as a non-resident, spoke at the vigil of her own experiences. “Being a non-resident in Australia can feel like a kind of disease with many symptoms,” she explained. “Homelessness is one of the symptoms. Mental health struggles is another.” Bunyalak poignantly noted that every life matters, regardless of race or residency status, and lamented that Lama did not have the opportunity to say goodbye to his family.
Calls for Action and Accountability
The vigil also saw the presence of independent MP Alex Greenwich, who has been vocal in his concerns regarding the policies that discriminate against individuals like Lama. He highlighted the disconnect between the government’s decision-making and the realities faced by those living on the streets. “Bikram died only about 200 metres from NSW Parliament,” Greenwich pointed out, urging for an inquest into the circumstances surrounding Lama’s death to address potential policy failings.
The tragic incident follows a series of alarming deaths among vulnerable populations, including a newborn at a homeless camp and a young Indigenous mother who succumbed to sepsis after being evicted from public housing. Experts are calling for a fundamental rethink of how society approaches homelessness, with advocates like Longbottom insisting that “homelessness is solvable—if we as a society choose to solve it.”
Why it Matters
The death of Bikram Lama serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing homelessness crisis that affects countless individuals across Australia and beyond. It underscores the urgent need for comprehensive policy reform that prioritises the welfare of all citizens, especially the most vulnerable among us. As communities gather to mourn, the demand for systemic change grows louder, calling for a collective commitment to ensure that no one else has to die unseen. The fight for dignity, support, and equity must continue, making it clear that every life is worth saving.
