Sudama was a childhood friend of the Hindu deity Krishna. His story is recorded in the Bhagavata Purana, about his visit to Dwaraka to visit Krishna.
Krishna and Sudama studied together at Sandipani Ashram, although both of them were of different varnas. Krishna belonged to the royal family.
Krishna had become a powerful ruler who had established his kingdom in Dwaraka, Sudama was an impoverished man, facing lots of hardships in raising his children.
Susheela (wife of Sudama) reminded her husband of his friendship with Krishna and requested him to seek the help of Krishna.
Despite the differences in socio-economic status Krishna helped Sudama and helped him to come out of his poverty and bestowed him with many gifts.