BABA
Baba literally means elder. In Sikhism “Baba” is used even for God as He is the Father of every human being. Guru Nanak Sahib too has been called Baba Nanak.
In Sikh culture, Baba is also used for a senior person who has such a status due to his services to the Sikh nation, either due to his actions (despite of his young age) or due to long time services to the nation.
From amongst the Sikhs, the first usage of Baba was made for Baba Buddha. The sons of Guru Sahib are also addressed as Baba(s). Senior leaders of the nation are also addressed as Baba, i.e. Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, Baba Bota Singh, Baba Garja Singh, Baba Baghel Singh, Baba Wisakha Singh, Baba Kharak Singh etc.
The ascetics (sadhus and so-called sants) love to be called baba, though they don’t deserve to be called so.
(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)