Vindaloo wins over violence

There’s an overwhelming response to a unique initiative promoting unity and multiculturalism

BY DEVRAJ BHATTACHARYA

After the recent attacks on Indian students in Melbourne, the city has been branded as unsafe and racist by many here in Australia and overseas. Thousands of people from all over Australia and around the world set out to dine at their local Indian restaurant on February 24, to prove them wrong and make a statement against the allegations.

The campaign, dubbed “Vindaloo against Violence”, was the brainchild of Flemington digital media professional, Mia Northrop. The event began initially on January 24, with Northrop creating an open event on Facebook, sending out an invite to 100 of her friends. A month later, approximately 17,000 protesters and 400 restaurants registered via the free website she had set up.

Though based in Melbourne, the event even spread overseas with all participating restaurants around the world - from the USA to Tajikistan - mapped out on the website. The immense interest generated also induced Australian, international and even Indian media to cover the event, which was aired on major television and print networks. This was much to the purpose of the event, as stated by Northrop herself at a press conference in South Yarra’s Little India Bistro & Tandoor

“They are going to hear the story that Australia is a country which values cultural diversity, and supports and respects immigrant communities,” she stated.

The press conference at Little India not only marked the opening of the event, but also played host to lunch for over 70 teenage protestors and staff from South Yarra’s prestigious select entry Melbourne High School. Initially posed as a mere question at an assembly, the school’s event was received with immense interest by students from several cultural, geographic, and socio-economic backgrounds, and places for the event filled up to maximum capacity within two weeks.

“The idea of a school-based event was raised at one of the senior assemblies, and as it goes, it ended being translated into our own Facebook event, and the event was filled in no time,” said

Anthony Lay, the school’s Student Council president.

Organising the event was mainly via Facebook, the social networking site, as students posted hundreds of photographs shortly after the event, further spreading the news. “It really shows how things we access everyday like Facebook and Twitter can really be harnessed to spread a good cause, and Mia has really proved that,” added Lay.

Staff members from the school were also invited by the students to show their support for the cause, and one of the staff even dressed in a sari as a sign of cultural appreciation.

“I don’t think Melbourne is an inherently racist city and sadly our reputation is being tarnished by some bad people… I think Melbourne High School represents a perfect example of how a multi-cultural microcosm of the city exists harmoniously - and I adore curry,” said Peter Wood, one of the Year 12 Coordinators.

The media conference was a surprisingly positive platform for both students and the restaurant, as they indulged in photo and video opportunities and aired their strong views against racially motivated violence to a nationwide audience. “The lunch had a real nice atmosphere to it and with all those cameras we are bound to get our message across; that we should embrace our diverse cultures and not discriminate against them,” said Andrej Hohmann, one of the senior students at the school.

Prior to the lunch, Northrop delivered a personal message to the students, encouraging them to actively pursue goals that will help change society for the better.

“You’re all entering an age where you have more opportunity to express how you want to live your life, what you want your life to mean, and what you want it to be like,” she said.

Students and staff alike were treated to a delightful Indian meal including naan, pappadams, malai tikka, butter chicken, and naturally, lamb vindaloo. “You could see how culturally accepting the boys have become; everyone loved the food and I am sure a lot of them kept going for more, although they were full,” quipped the school’s Student Council Vice-President.

However, the meal was not a walk in the park for some.

“There was, of course, the one guy who visibly couldn’t handle the spice on the mild lamb vindaloo, but we all cheered him on to finish it off! It was great fun, and for a good cause as well,” he added.

Hundreds of similar events were held all around the country with several corporate groups like the Maurice Blackburn Law Firm also organising a staff lunch at their local restaurant. Most Indian restaurants were booked out for the day, while members of the Queensland Parliament indulged in a special Indian style menu at the parliamentary canteen. “Dishes will include tandoori chicken, vegetable pakoras and of course, beef vindaloo,” said Disability Services Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk, prior to the event.

The festivities continued at Melbourne’s Federation Square, with the Merchants of Bollywood performing, along with a DJ playing the latest Indian tunes in front of a large crowd.

There was also a screening of Indian film King of Bollywood at the ACMI theatre.

Most Indian restaurants in major cities were booked out for Wednesday.

Brenda Pereira, co-owner of Indian Tukka on Victoria in Collingwood, said: “I think it will go really well. It’s just the awareness, everyone letting their friends know, it has a domino effect. Rajendra Pokhrel, owner of Northcote’s Downunder Curry, arrived at his restaurant four hours early to begin cooking.

“Whatever support they’re showing it’s great. If I let them down it’s not going to be good. It’s great, it’s definitely sending a message across.”

Melbourne’s Tiffins, which delivers Indian meals by bicycle, was having one of its busiest days.

Mikhil Kotak, who co-owns the business, said they had to close their website down because of the phenomenal response to the campaign.

“It is so busy we have four vans helping our fleet of five bikes to make 1,000 deliveries during lunch today (Wednesday). This is a huge amount and just goes to show how passionately locals feel about this message.”

Victorian Premier John Brumby also took

“Vindaloo against Violence was a great initiative that received the full support of the broader school community. In a sense, the dedication of MHS students to get behind this act of solidarity truly reflects the views of the majority of Australian society. I can gladly say that I was proud of the commitment of my peers and the greater Melbourne community’s desire to show that we are a friendly, accepting community that does not stand for violence.”

Todd Herskope, Student, MHS

“I’m thrilled that Melbourne High School Year Elevens, Twelves and Teachers participated in Vindaloo Against Violence. It’s a positive start to the year and an important message to share with young men, especially since so many perpetrators and victims of violence seem to be juveniles”.

part in the event, and stated that the Victorian State Government will be taking practical steps to address the issue of violence and reaffirm the state’s multicultural image.

Premier Brumby had his lunch at popular Indian café Desi Dhaba in Melbourne’s CBD, and was joined by members of the Indian community including Indian students studying in Melbourne. Mr Brumby said the response from Victorians to the initiative demonstrated the community’s commitment to uniting in its solidarity with the Indian community and celebrating multiculturalism.

“The fact that we are all against any sort of racially motivated behaviour is a given, but the boys showed that they weren’t afraid of experiencing different cultures, and I think this is the case for the majority of young people.”

Lachlan Zammit, Student, MHS

“The Vindaloo against Violence initiative is a unique opportunity for Victorians to unite and send a message that the actions of an ignorant few will not be allowed to undermine the reputation of Melbourne as a peaceful and friendly city,” he said.

“Victoria has been shaped by people from

“The lunch was amazing - it was a great atmosphere. We were a lot of mates who all believed in what it is to be a real Australian, and show how we truly support others and are concerned about them. It was a great day with great food and great people.”

Roshane Wickramathilake, Student, MHS

across the world. We come from over 200 countries, speak more than 230 languages and dialects and follow more than 120 faiths. Today, Victoria’s 150,000-strong Indian community is a vital part of modern-day multicultural Victoria,” said Brumby. “Victoria’s cultural diversity is one of our strengths and any attack on our community is an attack upon us all. Any attack motivated by race or prejudice is particularly disgraceful.”

“It is well-known that Victorians like to eat out and we have an international reputation for our world-class food scene. This great initiative combines that culinary reputation and uses it to send a message that we do not accept violence against any members of our community,” Mr Brumby said.

In New Delhi, Australian High Commissioner Peter Varghese said, “This is a simple but telling gesture from the Australian community to India and the Indian members of Australia’s community.”

“Australians love the diversity of our multicultural society and have categorically rejected the events of the recent past - they have no place in a society as culturally plural as ours,” he added. “This initiative will help in building bridges and restoring the trust, respect and friendship that exists between the broad Australian community and its valued members of Indian origin”.

Said Mia Northrop, whose effort has met with such phenomenal success, “I think it’s been an important time for people to say we don’t want our country tarnished as a racist place. The majority of us really enjoy the cultural diversity and have nothing but respect for our migrant communities”.

With reports from IANS