Indian eateries across this city were "fully booked" Wednesday and had a brisk business,thanks to thousands of people who thronged the restaurants for a mass dinning event to protest attacks against Indians in Australia.
'Chicken vindaloo', 'chicken tikka', 'chicken
tandoori' and 'naan' were the menu of the day as Australians thronged the eateries in support of the campaign 'Vindaloo against Violence'.
The campaign received an overwhelming response with over 10,000 people signing for it on facebook apart from catching a eye of Australian Prime Minsiter Kevin Rudd.
'Desi Dhaba' -- the Indian cafe located in city's busiest location Flinders street -- hosted the city's who's and who's, including Premier John Brumby, for lunch.
"My business almost jumped thrice today because of this novel campaign. I can see an overwhelming response from the localites here," Amit Tuteja, owner of the eatery, said.
Tuteja said today's special item is 'Vindaloo'.
Few blocks away from Desi Dhaba, another Indian restaurant Flora's Pankaj Bajaj said "we are very busy today."
"We have heavy bookings for today from the localites.
I have 40-50 extra customers coming in and eating here. The restaurant also displays a banner on its entry door saying 'Pyar Bant te Chalo (spread the love)," he said.
A popular restaurant in an expensive location of Docklands 'Bhoj' has stopped taking any booking for the day.
"We are completely booked out. There are extra
customers today we are expecting as compared to our normal clintele because of the campaign," Avijit Banerjee of Bhoj said.
Many community members felt that there was also the need to address real issues like safety and security of the students.
However, the campaign has been widely accepted and appreciated across Victoria which is desparetely trying to drop 'racist tag' of its reputation.
Commenting on the success of the event, the organiser Northrop said she wanted to create an event for all Australians.
"I wanted a way to get the silent majority of people who wouldn't necessarily go to protest or marches to have their voice heard on it. I know the majority of Australians don't tolerate racism and they don't tolerate racially- motivated violence."
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Simon Overland also has praised the event.
"They've taken some initiative, they've acted and I think the community here and around the world has just responded tremendously," he said.