BHAI

BHAI: Bhai, literally means brother. In the Sikh culture this term is used to show respect for a person. A saintly person, an intellectual, a humanitarian, a leader may be addressed as Bhai. The British adopted conferring the title of Sardar Bahadur to the persons loyal to their regime.

But Bhai can be used only for genuine Sikh savants. The first usage of Bhai, in the Sikh history has been done for Bhai Mardana. The other of quoted names are: Bhai Lalo, Bhai Gurdas, Bhai Rup Chand, Bhai Bhagatu, Bhai Nand Lal, Bhai Mani Singh, Bhai Bir Singh, Bhai Maharaj Singh, Bhai Ratan Singh Bhangu, Bhai Vir Singh, Bhai Bawlant Singh Canadian, Bhai Mewa Singh Lopoke, Bhai Fauja Singh, Bhai (Sirdar) Kapur Singh.

References :

1. The Sikh Reference Book, Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer 1997