Pioneering Parsis of Calcutta owes its origin to its author’s passionate desire to learn more about her Parsis heritage by enquiring into the community’s recent history. This initial curiosity turned into a voyage of discovery which changed her perception of her community and awoke in her an intense pride in the Parsi stalwarts of yesteryear. Mehta’s meticulous research reaped rich dividends as she slowly dusted off the cobwebs of history that revealed the pioneering Parsis’ arduous journey to Calcutta, their forward thinking, their broad-minded approach, their willingness to give and to improve the lives of all around them. These extraordinary Parsis men and women played a prominent role in society by taking upon themselves the responsibility of helping one and all regardless of class, caste, creed or colour.