
J.K. Rowling Surprised a 12-Year-Old Potterhead Living In the Himalayas With a Magical Gift
By Mustafa GatollariOct. 7 2018, Updated 8:23 p.m. ET
When it comes to interacting with their fans, there are few authors who are as accessible, understanding, and cordial, as JK Rowling.
This story could easily become a litany of all the wonderful things she's done for fans, but just to give you an idea of how out of her way the Harry Potter author goes to show how much she appreciates the support of her work, I'll point you to the time a fan with depression reached out to Rowling for advice.
And she responded with these words of wisdom.
They're bothering a unique, valuable human being who deserves happiness. Ask for help. Don't fight alone. Big hug. https://t.co/V8ocAHN1Ll
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) February 8, 2016
Because Harry Potter is such a worldwide phenomenon, Rowling understandably has fans from all across the globe, even in remote areas like the Himalayas.
Tucked away in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir is Haji Public School, where a teacher by the name of Sabbah Haji was touched by an essay written by one of her 12-year-old students, Kulsoom Bano Batt.
In her essay, Kulsoom wrote about how inspired she was by Rowling's life, and Haji decided she just had to let Rowling know, hoping that the Twitter gods would somehow allow her message to reach one of the most influential and successful authors of our time.
Dear @jk_rowling. Kulsum, 12, a first generation English learner from the Himalayas would like to meet you someday. So come visit us at #HajiPublicSchool . https://t.co/F9tvShYJsm
— Sabbah Haji Baji (@imsabbah) April 26, 2018
Now I'd like to think that the tweet was delivered to Rowling via a large, white owl. But call it luck, fate, or whatever, Rowling saw the message from Haji and did what she does best: be awesome.
Please can you send me Kulsum's full name by DM? I'd love to send her something.
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) April 26, 2018
Baji was floored that she even got a response, and immediately honored Rowling's kind gesture in their school.
Shoutout to the very gracious J K Rowling. This tweet framed for ever in our school hallway. https://t.co/woPspMmKa1
— Sabbah Haji Baji (@imsabbah) April 26, 2018
To say that Rowling made good on her promise would be an understatement.
HELLO, WORLD. SO @jk_rowling SENT A HUGE GIFT BOX FOR KULSUM AND FRIENDS. HANDWRITTEN NOTE, INSCRIBED BOOK, AND THIS IS ALMOST TOO MUCH TO HANDLE.
— Sabbah Haji Baji (@imsabbah) June 23, 2018
We are so thrilled and squeaky, I cannot even. Thank you so much, Ms Rowling. Thread below. #HajiPublicSchool https://t.co/X39EtCd9kn
She ended up sending a massive amount of swag that would make any 12-year-old Potter fan's head explode out of excitement.
Behold, the joy.

The anticipation.

The SWAG.

Rowling also included a handwritten note in the package.

Which made the Haji school staff so happy, they even made some memes.
Teachers of #HajiPublicSchool watching Kulsum open her gift package from J. K. Rowling. pic.twitter.com/kDdb9OtizQ
— Sabbah Haji Baji (@imsabbah) June 24, 2018
After following up with Rowling to make sure that she knew her gesture was very much appreciated, the literary living legend wrote back, happy her package made it to the school.
I’m so happy it got there! I was getting worried! Xxx
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 23, 2018
Once news broke out, people were gushing over Rowling's generosity.
So thrilled just reading this! Happy for Kulsum, her classmates. What a fantastic life lesson for her, that it’s possible to connect to everybody in the world and reach out.
— the zibi (@zibijamal) June 24, 2018
❤️❤️ “everyone should be encouraged to read and tweet.” Haha this is so nice 😁 https://t.co/HWSGr1RMv7
— Devang Bhandari (@iamdevb) June 25, 2018
You make Magic, @jk_rowling! 👏 https://t.co/a623f5ozyZ
— Nakul Shenoy (@NakulShenoy) June 24, 2018
That's Rowling for you, making magic both on and off the page.