Lack of awareness not people are to blame for the prevailing prejudices against HIV and AIDS in our society says a 41-year-old HIV-positive woman who has come out in the open to fight the stigma attached to the condition. Mona Balani has had to endure many a caustic remarks of relatives and discriminatory behaviour of the society after she tested positive for HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) almost 18 years ago. But Balani is no ordinary woman. She is living with HIV and also having a life. She is presently working with the HIV/AIDS Alliance a non-profit that works towards strengthening