In a faintly lit room young yo-

gis try and balance delicate

asanas to the tune of a sitar.

The room vibrates with this com-

ing together of two ancient

forms. As the class sways to yoga

guru Zubin Atre’s postures, the

accompanying sitarist Galen

Passen does impromptu musical

improvisations making it a

seamless flow of energies. Sitar

yoga has caught the fancy of

Delhiites, who love this new con-

cept of musical yoga sessions. “I

have done improvised jam ses-

sions before, where a group of

people play music, dance, and

sometimes do yoga simultane-

ously at my yoga studio.

Passen and I improvised to-

gether at one such session, and

then the idea of sitar yoga fol-

lowed,” tells Atre.

Music can help lift students

through difficult sequences with

upbeat music or create a restora-

tive vibe with calm music. A soul-

ful musician can truly make a dif-

ference in creating the perfect at-

mosphere for a class. Combining

music with yoga is a fa-

mous practice abroad.

Musician Todd Boston

fuses acoustic world

instruments together

to create a unique and

beautiful sound. With

no pre-recorded tracks

he mixes and blends

the instruments and

his voice in harmony

to create a musical

journey of soulful,

heartfelt compositions.

He has played at the

Kundalini Yoga and Mu-

sic Festival in Rishikesh. Similar-

ly, Yoga Soundscape is a unique

yoga and music experience cu-

rated and guided by Aarona

Pichinson in New York.

Every week, an eclectic

array of talented musi-

cians, laptop masters,

or DJs perform live

soulful music ranging

from old-world tribal

instrumental to exper-

imental electronic

beats for classes filled

with stretched-out

breaths and sweaty

patches!

So which yoga works

for you? Classical or

retro? Take your pick!

� TIMES NEWS NETWORK

supriya.sharma2@timesgroup.com

Javed Anwer

ust like every home has a First Aid Kit for medical

emergencies, it pays to have

something similar for your

PC. All you need is a pen drive

that’s loaded with essential,

troubleshooting software.

The tools listed in this

piece are free, and run

straight out of a USB stick,

so you don’t even need to

install them. And yes, it

also means you can carry

this ‘First Aid Kit’ along

whenever you want to

help friends with their

computer problems…

ClamWinThe portable version of

ClamWin antivirus can

be used to scan your

PC for viruses. This is

extremely useful because

malware can sometimes

disable the antivirus

software installed on your

PC. With ClamWin on

your flash drive, you will

be able to identify and

remove infections.

To keep your PC spic-and-

span, you will also need to

routinely scan it for spyware and

adware. These are pesky programs

that get installed along with free software,

or if you might have clicked on an unknown web link

in an e-mail. To take care of these malicious programs,

also keep SpyBot – Search & Destroy on the flash drive.

Just make sure you have the updated versions of

ClamWin and SpyBot on your USB stick at

all times.

� ClamWin: http://bit.ly/JbewMU

� SpyBot – Search & Destroy:

http://bit.ly/eIIDZi

CCleanerIf your PC seems sluggish while perform-

ing basic tasks like opening a document, or

during web browsing sessions, it’s probably

because of the temporary files created by the

software you use. To purge your system of this

junk, try CCleaner.

Extract the contents of CCleaner’s ‘.zip’ file to

a folder of the same name on your pen drive.

Now, launch the software by double-clicking the

‘.exe’ file and start spring cleaning your machine.

� CCleaner: http://bit.ly/3QtBWl

RecuvaRecuva comes with a simple, wizard-driven interface

that makes it easy to retrieve files that you might have

permanently deleted from your PC. A ‘deep scan’ lists

deleted files in a friendly searchable format, along with

the option to preview them if they are images. That said,

there is no guarantee that you will always be able to

retrieve deleted data. Also, if the files you’re trying to

recover are extremely critical, it is best to handover this

job to professional companies that do this for a fee.

� Recuva: http://bit.ly/3XqqLL

Revo UninstallerUninstalled software sometimes leave residue in the

form of files and Registry entries. These are not easy to

find and end up hogging precious space. Revo Uninstallersaves you the trouble of manually clearing these files by

thoroughly uninstalling a program. It can also be used

to remove those stubborn toolbars that refuse to go

away. An alternative to Revo Uninstaller is PC Decrapifier– a portable tool that does just as its name suggests.

� Revo Uninstaller: http://bit.ly/236r

� PC Decrapifier: http://bit.ly/eDp8f

AutoRuns for WindowsIf your PC takes time to boot to the desktop, then it is

probably because of the number of programs that are

configured to launch during the Windows start-up

process. With AutoRuns, you can cut down on these

programs. It analyses your machine and shows you

the services and programs that are scheduled to run

during the boot process. Carefully deselect the ones

that are not required at launch and you will improve

start-up times.

You can also use WinPatrolToGo to the same effect.

� AutoRuns for Windows: http://bit.ly/9DrH

� WinPatrolToGo: http://bit.ly/1YqMH

TECH TONIC

� To create your PC First Aid Kit you will need a pen drive withat least 2GB capacity. If possible, invest in one that supportsUSB 3.0 – this will guarantee faster read-write speeds on newerPCs that support the standard.� Format your drive: Double-click My Computer and right-clickthe external drive icon that appears under Devices withRemovable Storage. Click on Format and select FAT32 from thedrop-down list as the file system of choice. Check the QuickFormat box and click Start to initiate the process.� Your USB flash drive is now ready to be filled with portableapps. It is recommended that you regularly replace the softwareon the flash drive with latest revisions. For example, an up-to-

date antivirus will be more capable of detecting new threats.

PC FIRST AID KITON A PEN DRIVE

SUNDAY | OCTOBER 27 , 20132

COMBINING FUSION MUSIC WITH YOGA

IS A FAMOUS PRACTICE ABROAD.

PRE -RECORDED TRACKS ARE MIXED WITH

TRADITIONAL INSTRUMENTS AND ALSO

ACCOMPANIED BY A CALM VOICE

THINKSTOCK

If you’re planning to go on a shoppingspree to buy presents for your near

and dear ones, instead of the usualmithai boxes and dry fruits trays, selectgifts which are unique as well aspersonal. We give you some options...� Gourmet gift hampers: If your friendis a foodie, what better present than amouth-watering food goody bag? You candesign a gift hamper that will reflecthis/her love for food, as well as customise

it to suit his/her palate. You can createyour own cheese platter, by choosingcheeses from across the world, or buy adelicious bread basket full of baguettes,bagel croissants and Danishes! For thosewho have a sweet tooth, a chocolate fon-due hamper, with marshmallows, straw-berries, sponge cakes, and a ceramic fon-due pot is an ideal gift.� Pre-paid gift cards:These are like giftvouchers and certificates, but moredurable and safer, since they carry uniqueID numbers. Pre-paid gift cards are avail-able at most banks. You can choose anyamount you want. Every time the gift cardis used, the purchase amount is deductedfrom the card balance; the user canchoose from a variety of options like shop-ping, dining etc., and track its usage.� Digital media frames: Present yourfriends with digital photo frames, whichare compact and can store hundreds ofphotos. The frames run pictures as a con-tinuous slideshow. Some have the optionof displaying home videos too.

— Purvaja Sawant

3 unique gifting ideas

My earliest memory offood I Is eating varan bhaat,

a typical Maharashtrian

staple, which we used to have

a lot as kids.

My favourite recipe I My

mom’s mase kalvan (fish

curry); it’s absolutely

delicious and so perfect

that no one can match

its taste.

When I have thekitchen to myself, Ilike cooking IDifferent kinds of egg

preparations, as one

can really be

experimental and

at the same time,

you can’t really

go wrong with

eggs!

When I amtravelling I I

gorge on

continental

cuisine, like

roast chicken,

salad and fish.

The best mealI have everhad I Was at

Tetsuya’s in

Sydney, Australia.

My favourite cuisine IModern Australian and

French.

I have a sweet tooth for I Anything with

chocolate and mishti doi!

I learned to cook from IMy mom and grandmom. I

would take down recipes

from them on the phone,

when I was overseas.

I love to share mymeals with I My

family. Basically, I

love food and

people who love

food.

My perfectdinner datecompanion I Is

someone who

knows how to

appreciate the

moment.

One countryother thanIndia thatserves heavenly

food I Australia.

I really loved the food

there during my college

days, when I was studying

in Sydney.

— Purvaja Sawant

INGREDIENTSAny white fish (cleaned and sliced):500 gm I Tamarind paste: 2 tbsp I Garlic paste: 2 tsp I Turmericpowder: 1/2 tsp I Red chillipowder: 2 tsp I Coriander powder:1 tsp I Garlic (crushed): 2 flakes IAsafoetida powder: 1/2 tsp I Greenchilli (slit): 1 I Coconut milk: 1/2cup I Oil: 1 tbsp I Salt to taste

METHOD� Wash the fish slices and marinatethem in a mixture of tamarindpaste, garlic paste, turmericpowder, red chilli powder, corianderpowder and salt. Keep them asidefor 15 minutes.� Heat oil in a frying pan. Put in thecrushed garlic, asafoetida andgreen chilli. Stir-fry briefly and addthe marinated fish.�Mix gently and sprinkle some

water on the fish. Cover and cookfor about 20 minutes or till the fishis almost cooked.� Slowly stir in the coconut milkand bring to a boil on low flame.� Cover and cook on low flame forabout five minutes or till the fish iswell-cooked but firm.

Mase Kalvan (Fish Curry)

CO

RB

IS

SHOPPING

CELEB COOK-IN TANISHAA MUKERJI, ACTOR

Purvaja Sawant

It’s that time of the year, when

there’s no escape from gorging

on sugary sweets and deep-

fried delicacies. Since

you’re going to

overindulge in the coming few

days, start doing some of these sim-

ple but effective exercises at home to

beat those pesky pounds.

EASY CARDIO EXERCISESWalking is one of the best forms of

exercise. Take a walk in the park, and

break into a jog in between. Or just

hop on to a bike and cycle around.

Do this for at least 20 minutes a day,

slowly increasing the time. When at

a party, dance! It is also a good form

of cardiovascular exercise.

PUSH-UPSStand in front of the wall

or kitchen counter

with your feet togeth-

er. Invert your hands

slightly and place

them on top of the

counter. With your

arms a little more than

shoulder-width apart,

bend the elbows and try

and get your chest as close

to the countertop as possi-

ble, then back up. Do this

10 times. Rest for a few

moments and repeat.

You can also try this on

the floor, with a mat, or mil-

itary style (on your toes). Try

and get your chest as close to the

ground as possible.

LUNGESStand with a stance

slightly wider than

the shoulder. Put

one foot a step

ahead and stand in

this position.

Take a deep

breath. Main-

taining a proper

arch of the

back, de-

scend with

control, shift-

ing your body

weight onto the

front leg. Go down till the front

thigh is parallel to the floor.

From this position, come up,

straightening your front leg

and simultaneously breath-

ing out. For more intensity,

use a barbell over contract-

ed collar muscles or hold

dumbbells in your hands.

SQUATSStand in front of a

chair (back to the

chair). Put your

feet apart (one

foot approx.).

Bend your

knees and

slowly squat.

Let your butt

lightly touch the chair

and slowly come up again. Do this

10-15 times. Rest for a minute

and repeat. You can do this

without a chair, and with

dumbbells in both hands to

add intensity.

Inputs by Althea Shah, fitness

expert, Gold’s Gym & Sonal Raval,

nutritionist, Snap Fitness India

� TIMES NEWS NETWORK

purvaja.sawant@timesgroup.com

FESTIVE WEIGHTWATCHING

A few kilos here and there may beinevitable. But you can add a simpleexercise routine to avoid piling on thepounds. Here’s what can be done at home

FITNESS

� A few days before the festivities begin,start watching what you eat. Include a lotof fresh fruits and vegetables in your dietto obtain enough fibre. This in turn willkeep your stomach full for a longer time,so that you avoid gorging on calorie-loaded foods.� If you are invited for lunch or dinner,make sure you eat something healthyfrom home beforehand, so that youavoid rich food.� At a buffet, instead of trying a little ofeverything, stick to a few healthy choiceslike salads and lean protein (chicken, fish).� Use smaller plates while eating. Fill 2/3rdof your plate with fruits and vegetables;1/3rd can be allotted to high-calorie foodssuch as sweets or fried starters.� Rich gravies like malai koftas, malaimethi matar etc. are overloaded withcashews and pistachios which have ahigh quantity of invisible fat. Say ‘no’!� Go easy on the alcohol. Instead ofconsuming cold drinks and packagedjuices, try having fresh lemonade, mintylemon, cucumber coolers or iced tea.� Don’t stop your regular gym routineduring the holidays. You may want toenjoy a festival to the fullest butremember, it will wreak havoc on yourbody afterwards. You needn’t work out asmuch as you usually do, but followingeven half of your exercise routine is betterthan skipping it altogether.

Surprise your friends and family with unusualpresents this festive season

CO

RB

IS

SAY NO TO ‘FOOD PUSHERS’

It’s hard to resist familymembers, who lure you to eat

fattening treats as they refuse totake no for an answer. Expertssuggest you say no, over and

over again, if your don’twant your diet plans to

go awry!

SIMPLE DIET TIPS

The impact music has on people’s mental state has been scientifically proved.It helps in calming people down, improving levels of concentration, easingstress and elevating the musician to a higher level of consciousness. In fact,music specifically designed for yoga helps people to move from one level ofspiritual consciousness to another with ease. Music has the ability to changea person’s mood in a few seconds.

WHY MUSICAL YOGA WORKS

J

HOW TO PREP YOUR USB FLASH DRIVE

THINKSTOCK

TRENDSPOTTING

MUSICAL

YOGA

Yoga Soundscape curated by (left) Aarona Pichinson from New York is quite popular, as is American musician ToddBoston, who has played at the Kundalini Yoga and Music Festival in Rishikesh

Nothing can help youreach a higher level of

consciousness fasterthan music.

Supriya Sharmafinds out how yoga

classes, in India andabroad, are using

music to reach out to more people A Delhi yoga session with

Galen Passen playing the sitar

DID YOUKNOW?

According to thePuranas, Ravana

when settingHanuman’s tail on fire

did not foreseeHanuman lighting the

whole of Lanka. Toextinguish the fire

over his city, Ravanaplayed the Amrutha-

varshini raga (the onethat brings rain) on

his veena as aprayer

Eat healthier. Go Indiano.tow tevets of Omega-6 (11%) compared to other oils like safflower (75%) and sunflowerexcess consumption of Omega-6 Is harmful and leads to elevated risk of heart diseases,

th problems. Thats why, Leonardo Olive DII from Italy is revolutionizing Indian cooking.t Indiano. Combining the goodness of olive pomace oil with our everyday Indian food.

1500 ¶03 5626 (TcU free)

The d

Leonar do.

SunflowerOil

Rice Bran

Oil