Ishan Sharma, an Indian YouTube content creator, experienced an unexpected surprise when he found ‘Made in Pakistan’ label on Harvard university jacket, one of the world’s most prestigious Ivy League institutions. Documenting his journey through the United States, Ishan Sharma decided to visit The Harvard Shop, the official student-run store, to purchase some memorabilia.
Upon browsing the merchandise, Ishan was initially taken aback by the high prices. However, what truly caught his attention was the manufacturing label on one of the jackets, which read “Made in Pakistan.” Sharma shared his surprise with his followers on X, posting a photo of himself wearing the iconic crimson and black Harvard jacket, with the label clearly visible.
“Came to Harvard to buy merch. This one’s Rs. 12,000! But made in Pakistan?!” he wrote, sparking a flurry of reactions on social media.
Social Media Reactions from South Asia
Ishan Sharma’s post quickly went viral, particularly among South Asian social media users, with many from India expressing a mix of amusement and curiosity. One user humorously remarked, “Indian travels to America only to purchase clothes made in Pakistan, quite the twist.” Another joked, “Now all South Asian moms can proudly say we have Harvard at home.”
Not all reactions were light-hearted, though. Some users criticized the quality of the merchandise, with one person commenting, “The quality is awful. I purchased few items previous year and after just 2-3 washes, found good only for mopping the floor.”
Others pointed out that it’s common for clothing sold in Western countries, including high-end brands, to be manufactured in South Asia, particularly in countries like Bangladesh and Pakistan.
Earlier in his trip, Ishan had shared his cultural shock at the lack of hospitality in American hotels, calling it one of the most surprising aspects of his U.S. visit.