as a first initiative vcf is sending a memorandum to the municipal commissioner for early opening of sr usage of rti to fight red tapes and to liaise with government municipal offices will also be used effectively the chief guest for the occasion was k kumar the founder president and chairman of progressive thane residents association the forum is also planning to approach the local hospitals malls pathology labs service organisations etc to give discounts a gathering of senior citizens took place at lokpuram federation hall on january 23 with an aim of bringing all veterans together on one platform harnessing a pool of knowledge and experience for the benefit of the society enthusiastic participants were very forthcoming offering their wholehearted support for this the forum is planning to issue identity cards to senior citizens some of them volunteered and have joined the working executive committee and congratulated and thanked col mohan for his initiative in founding this forum this forum which will be non political will raise its voice to improve civic amenities safety and security for senior citizens thane the veteran citizens forum vcf was founded by col mohan chandra papnai in 2006 rajesh matkari gave a spirited speech on the necessity of working together for the betterment of the residential area and pressurising the government and local governing bodies to improve the environment transport etc citizens club next to cosmos heritage and repairing of road leading to tikujiniwadi and nilkhand gardens he and kumar extended their full support for the vcf to grow and meet its goals capt haridasan explained monthly meetings will be held to share experiences plan medical and legal assistance at free or concessional rates by a panel of doctors and legal experts and to help the sickdisabled sr citizens this annual meeting attracted approximately 100 people this forum is also planning to form interest groups based on hobbies and interests and create pressure groups to improve civic amenities like roads parks foot paths pedestrian crossings water supply and power supply group captain arun thakur the president of the vcf concluded the meeting emphasising the need to join this forum by becoming members and working passionately to achieve its goals col mohan chandra papnai the founder president spoke about his efforts in the past five years to bring veterans of thane on one platform and capt haridasan secretary of the vcf explained the work the forum is planning to undertake in a phased manner