The Muslim community in Mauritius, like all their brothers and sisters the world over, are observing the “Sawm” (fasting), one among the five pillars of Islam. This is a very holy month.  It's time to purify one's body and soul.
By Bhasha Sunkoorah

Petit Gamin, a small village of around 250 inhabitants, is lost amidst cane fields and long forgotten by the society at large. It lies in the north, some three kilometres from Arsenal.     
By Soomungal Basdeo

Entering the yard was like advancing in a creepy place. Huge green metal cans were placed side by side a little distance from the entrance, which we came to know were mobile toilets.     
By Bhasha Sunkoorah/ Prabha Bhatoo

After a hard day's work, it's time to relax, share a few happy moments with friends, kith and kin, either within the confines of one's own
compound, in the local
community centre or in the shade of a tree sipping a drink.
By Basdeo Soomungul

Several interesting, well-researched and documented papers were presented both in Bhojpuri and English, peppered with dozens of vibrant Bhojpuri expressions in a three-day workshop at the University of Mauritius.

That you smoke , you'll agree, is bad for your health;  that health professionals also smoke, is worse.  These people are expected to make us quit  the bad habit and be role models for society. Hence, it's imperative they give up smoking first.

The international day of families will be celebrated in Mauritius on Saturday 29. The theme chosen this year by the Ministry of Gender Equality, Child Development and Family Welfare is: The family as an agent for the development of a dynamic society.

The statistics are none too good. Cancer is responsible for  more than one in ten deaths in Mauritius, according to the National Cancer Registry. What's shocking is that patients with low incomes often lack the money to get proper treatments.

Is Mauritius fast becoming a gambling society? Religious authorities think so. The mushrooming of several gaming houses on the island has led to the emergence of a society addicted to all forms of gambling - horse racing, casino gambling, online gambling, football betting and the national lottery.

It is possible to give up smoking, after years of addiction to nicotine, say health-conscious stakeholders. Whether to quit or not  is all in the mind, they believe.

Contraception methods for men and women are becoming increasingly popular in Mauritius. However, doctors warn that before a particular method is used it is recommended that medical advice should be sought to avoid sterility and health complications.

Breast cancer is a serious problem in Mauritius, according to health authorities. In less than 10 years, there has been a 30% increase, attaining some 300 new cases per year and causing about 100 deaths annually.

The name of Princess Indira Devi Dhanrajgir isn't very familiar with the younger generation of Mauritians. She was the first Indian princess to visit Mauritius a few months after it became independent in 1968 and after that she was a regular visitor to the island, her last visit being in 2008.

There's a growing concern about cervical cancer in Mauritius. Medical sources say it's not only dangerous but also the second most common after breast cancer among women... and there's every reason to be careful.

Infertility may pose a big problem in the long run  for Mauritius, which has a population of 1.2 million, warns Mauritius Family Planning and Welfare Association. Infertility, which is said to affect 10% of the population of marriageable age, is still a taboo in Mauritius.