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As dusk fell over Sydney’s Hyde Park, a poignant gathering took place to remember Bikram Lama, a 32-year-old man whose life ended tragically in the shadows of the city he had hoped to thrive in. Attendees, holding electric candles in vibrant hues of blue, red, white, and purple, illuminated the somber atmosphere as they mourned a life that went unnoticed for far too long.
A Heartfelt Tribute
The vigil was a powerful reminder of the urgent need for compassion and action regarding homelessness. Erin Longbottom, a homelessness support worker, delivered a heartfelt message, emphasising that no one should face death alone, particularly in a bustling city like Sydney. “Bikram came here with hope, for study, for opportunity, and for a future. A person who lived, and struggled, and died unseen,” she stated, encapsulating the tragic circumstances surrounding Lama’s untimely demise.
Lama, originally from Nepal, had been living on the streets and was reportedly undiscovered for nearly a week. By the time his body was found, it had begun to decompose, highlighting the grim reality of homelessness in urban Australia. His mother, residing in a remote village, has faced the anguish of being summoned to Kathmandu to provide a DNA sample for identification, a process that continues to prolong the family’s grief.
Community Outrage and Call for Change
The Australian-Nepalese community has expressed deep frustration over the delays in confirming Lama’s identity, which they feel adds unnecessary pain to an already tragic situation. “This ongoing process is not just a legal formality; it’s a source of distress for our community,” said one community member, voicing sentiments shared by many at the vigil.
Bam Bunyalak, who also attended the gathering, shared her own harrowing experience of homelessness. After arriving in Australia from Thailand on a student visa, she faced years without access to healthcare and support after escaping domestic violence. “Being a non-resident can feel like a disease with many symptoms, with homelessness being one of them,” she reflected, underscoring the struggles faced by many in vulnerable positions.
Political Response and Future Actions
Independent MP Alex Greenwich, who was present at the vigil, has reached out to Premier Chris Minns and the state attorney general, Michael Daley, advocating for an inquest into Lama’s death. He articulated concerns over policies that disadvantage non-residents, particularly rough sleepers, and stressed the need for systemic change. “Lama died just 200 metres from the NSW parliament, where policies that may have contributed to his death are crafted,” Greenwich noted, calling for accountability.
The tragic loss of Bikram Lama marks one of several recent incidents that have shocked the nation, including the deaths of a newborn at a homeless camp and an Indigenous mother who succumbed to sepsis after being evicted from public housing. Experts argue that these events should serve as a wake-up call for Australia, highlighting the pressing need for reforms.
Why it Matters
The collective mourning for Bikram Lama shines a glaring light on the ongoing crisis of homelessness in Australia, a societal issue that demands urgent attention and action. Each life lost is not just a statistic; it represents dreams deferred, families torn apart, and a community in need of compassion. The vigils and calls for change signal a growing awareness and a demand for policies that protect the most vulnerable among us. As Longbottom poignantly stated, “Homelessness is solvable – if we as a society choose to solve it.” It’s time for that choice to be made.
