MIA Northrop wants everyone to go out for a vindaloo at their local Indian restaurant tomorrow night (February 24).

The 35-year-old was appalled when she heard about the violence against Indian students and people in Melbourne over recent months, such as the fatal stabbing of Newport resident Nitin Garg early this year.

This inspired her to begin a campaign called Vindaloo Against Violence, a night where people across Melbourne could attend Indian eateries to show their support for the Indian community.

“I wanted to get the silent majority involved, people who wouldn’t usually go to a protest but were horrified at the violence reported in the papers,” Ms Northrop said.

She created a website to promote her idea, and invited 100 of her Facebook friends to take part.

However, Ms Northrop said she had no idea her campaign would become so popular, with hundreds of people across Melbourne, Australia and other countries pledging on the internet they will dine out for a vindaloo tomorrow night.

Vindaloo Against Violence has also been featured in several Indian newspapers.

“I wanted to help fight the perception overseas Australia is racist and show criminal actions are the action of a small minority,” she said.

Ms Northrop said she hoped Indian restaurants would donate some of their profits from the night to local anti-violence or anti-racist causes.

Indian restaurants across the west are taking part in the campaign.

Greens candidate for Derrimut Geraldine Brooks has also organised a session at 5.30pm at the Ardeer Community Playground, Forrest St.

Residents can bring their own takeaway or home-cooked Indian meals, chairs, picnic blankets and drinks.