After eight months of heart-wrenching uncertainty, the body of Bikram Lama, an international student known affectionately as Sydney’s ‘birdman’, is finally on its way home to Nepal. The 34-year-old’s remains, which had been held since his death while sleeping rough in Hyde Park, are due to be repatriated in the coming days.
His mother, 71-year-old Seti Maya Lama, has been consumed by grief and a desperate longing to bring her son back to his ancestral land. Speaking from Nepal, she conveyed her profound relief, stating that her “heart will finally find some peace” once Bikram’s body returns. The Guardian Australia, which first reported the story, detailed the arduous journey of fundraising and advocacy that has culminated in this moment.
A Community Unites for Repatriation
Bikram Lama’s passing in August last year garnered significant attention, not only because of his tragic circumstances but also due to the unique way he had endeared himself to many Sydneysiders. He was known for his gentle demeanour and his daily ritual of feeding birds in Hyde Park, earning him the tender moniker of the ‘birdman’.
Following his death, an outpouring of support emerged to cover the substantial costs associated with repatriating his body to Nepal. International students, many of whom face precarious financial situations, often lack the means to cover such expenses, which can run into thousands of Australian dollars. A GoFundMe campaign, initiated by members of the Nepalese community and compassionate Australians, successfully raised the necessary funds. The funeral director handling the arrangements confirmed that all logistical hurdles had been overcome, and the body was set to be placed on a plane within days.
The Plight of International Students
Bikram Lama’s story has cast a stark light on the vulnerabilities faced by a segment of Australia’s international student population. Graduating from a Sydney university with a hospitality degree, Lama’s life took a downturn after he lost his steady job during the COVID-19 pandemic. With his skilled worker visa expiring and new regulations difficult to navigate, he found himself without secure employment and, ultimately, without a roof over his head.
The Guardian Australia’s reporting highlighted that Lama chose to sleep rough rather than burden his family back home, echoing the struggles of many international students who often arrive in Australia with high hopes and significant financial investments, only to face unexpected hardship. The expectation of substantial earnings to remit home often creates immense pressure, leading some to sacrifice their own well-being to maintain appearances.
A Mother's Unwavering Resolve
For Seti Maya Lama, the past eight months have been an excruciating wait. The cultural and spiritual significance of burying one’s child in their homeland is profound. Without her son’s body, the traditional rites and rituals that bring closure and allow the grieving process to truly begin could not be performed. Her unwavering resolve to bring Bikram home has been a powerful testament to a mother’s love.
The successful repatriation marks not only the end of a long and difficult chapter for the Lama family but also serves as a poignant reminder of community solidarity. While Bikram Lama's life ended prematurely and tragically, the collective effort to ensure his final journey home speaks volumes about the compassion that exists within Sydney's diverse community. His story remains a powerful symbol of the challenges faced by some international students and the enduring human spirit that seeks to honour the departed.
